RVP Reflection Series: Odera’s Takeaways Posted on October 22, 2019 by wpengine Author: Odera Igwe The Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference (RVP) was a national conference dedicated to creating community cohesion through new strategies to transform vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties into community assets. This conference was a great opportunity for me to meet people all over the US who specialize in different aspects regarding the revitalization of vacant land; law, youth engagement, community advocacy, architecture, and more. The first session I attended was Community-Driven Visioning: A design thinking approach, and was probably…Read More
Work Day @ Morning Star Baptist Church-Hazelwood! Come join the Grounded team as we work alongside TMC-Pittsburgh's Hazelwood Platoon to finalize our year-long effort at The Morning Star Baptist Church! We will be completing the revitalization of the once-vacant lot next to the church before the weather gets too cold. Our goal is to do some planting, complete the youth activity area, and remove any trash and refuse from inside and outside of the church. Please come dressed in clothes you would not mind getting dirty! All…Read More
RVP Reflection Series: Ariam’s Vlog Posted on October 16, 2019 by wpengine The Grounded team attended the Reclaiming Vacant Properties (RVP) Conference in Atlanta at the beginning of the month. During their time at the conference, the team learned valuable information that they would like to share! Check out the vlog below for Ariam's perspective!Read More
Planting Seeds for the Future Posted on October 7, 2019 by Masoud Sayles Pittsburgh, as the nation within which it resides, has a storied past awash with inequality. Both here and in the United States at large, a great deal of this inequity stems from the fact that the means of production (mainly land) are controlled by a small number of people relative to the total population. Historically, this has been the case for just about as long as this country has existed. As our worries mount in the face of climate instability,…Read More
Make this West End Lot SHINE Volunteer work day on the Together We Shine lot in central Sheraden. Tasks include landscaping, picket fence painting and construction, pebble mosaic craft for kids. Something for everyone. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing ready for painting. The lot will be a Green Playce that encourages kids to move and play. RSVP and learn more by contacting Rebecca at rebecca@groundedpgh.org or 412-361-2099 x 2#. Location: 1111 Fairdale St, Pittsburgh, PA 15204Read More
Hilltop Community Unity Land Lab Come one; Come All! To Celebrate Community Unity at the Grape Street Garden in the rear of Carnegie Library of Knoxville. We will have free games, prizes, and good times in the garden! Free Food and Free community resource tips from professionals and guides provided. Bring the children out for an evening of fun and education. #LandLabisLand Goodness!Read More
Where the Wild Things Were… and Could be Again Posted on May 6, 2019 by Masoud Sayles As humanity has tightened its grip on Earth, we have been party to the loss of many species. While many of us are aware of the cautionary tales of the dodo and the Tasmanian tiger, we are blind to the processes that led to their extinction. In seeking to fulfill our desires (for space, for goods, for control over the natural environment) we too often fail to consider the needs of the system that sustains us: the dodo, for example,…Read More
Environmental Hazards: Close-to-Home Posted on March 5, 2019 by Masoud Sayles The snow is already beginning to melt, and we can see the first spikes of spring ephemerals like snowdrops and crocus poking through the snow. Having spent the short days of winter cooped up indoors, many people are pleased to feel the days getting perceptibly longer. As we cross the thresholds of our respective houses out into this warming world, we transition between two very distinct sorts of environments: one familiar, consistent, and controlled, the other unpredictable, varied, and sometimes…Read More
Land Lab Northside Land Lab Series Throughout the Land Lab series, we will focus on themes of vacant land designed to provide residents with resources, tools, and information to take meaningful action in addressing vacant land and blight in their neighborhood. Read More
A Story of Vacant Land (Part 2): The Evolution Posted on January 10, 2019 by wpengine Have you ever wondered why or how the vacant lot next to your home got there? Obviously, a series of events had to happen to create that neglected space. Vacancy didn’t show up overnight. A combination of macro forces and micro decisions, each of which is interrelated led to what you see in so many of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods today. With over 27,000 vacant lots in the City of Pittsburgh, something has happened at a massive scale. Understanding the history and…Read More
Opportunities on Vacant Land in Winter Posted on December 12, 2018 by Masoud Sayles As the leaves fall and the wind blows, many of us choose to retreat into the warmth of our homes. However, as winter approaches, there are still many opportunities for you to get outside and show some care for vacant land within your community. In early to mid-fall, it's a wonderful time to plant perennials on a vacant parcel. This can be as involved as planting balled-and-burlapped trees, or as simple as scattering a few of your favorite perennial plant…Read More