Home : Our Work : GTECH on the Go : ReClaim the Route: Homewood Sunflower Project ReClaim the Route: Homewood Sunflower Project Share this project In 2013, we planted our largest sunflower project to date in partnership with Operation Better Block and The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. Operation Better Block’s Junior Green Corps assisting in greening up a lot located on Frankstown and Collier in Homewood. The plantings totaled more than 11,000 square feet. The first sunflower garden done in partnership with The Pittsburgh Dick’s Sporting Goods Marathon was back in 2011. Unified in the mission of greening the route, the initial pilot project was at Mile 17, near the Homewood Neighborhood Festival. GTECH partnered with Operation Better Block (OBB) and their youth program, the Jr. Green Corps to green a vacant lot along the course. The project was supported by a generous donation from Nathan’s Sports Gear. On marathon day, GTECH, OBB and volunteers worked as Pittsburgh Marathon runners passed by. Over the summer and fall, GTECH worked with OBB to plant, maintain, and harvest sunflowers on this vacant lot. GTECH also taught the Jr. Green Corps about Land Use, Community Greening, Green Jobs and the Green Economy.