This year's Green Alley Makeover Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 9:00am to 1:00pm, the same day as the Ward 4 Neighborhood Clean Up at the State Fairgrounds. You can host a Green Alley Makeover in your alley with or without help from HMC's staff and Community Building Committee and the Hamline Midway Environmental Group. Download an organizing packet, or pick one up from the HMC office. If you would like assistance with your project, complete the application packet by Wednesday, August 22 at 5:00pm. If you are not receiving volunteer assistance, you may host your event any day and time. Organizers of Green Alley Makeovers will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate to Custom Drapery & Blinds!
What is a Green Alley Makeover? It’s a day to work together with your neighbors to plant, weed, and beautify your alley! Swap plants; haul away brush, compost, and waste, plant natives, ornamentals, or edibles; and top it off with a community potluck. You and your neighbors may have other creative ideas as well, such as traffic calming, artwork, and arbors. See photos and a summary of the 2011 Green Alley Makeover here.
Why organize a Green Alley Makeover? If you don’t know many of your neighbors on your block (or even if you do), this is a great way to build community and perhaps start a block club. This can be an effective way to prevent crime on your block: neighbors who know each other will look out for each other, and properties that look tidy are less likely to be targeted. Plus, you’ll have a more pleasant alley.
Need help? Assistance is available! Hamline Midway Coalition’s Community Building Committee will select one alley to assist with providing volunteers, equipment, and materials on Saturday, September 22 from 9:00am-1:00pm. Application deadline is 5:00pm on Wednesday, August 22. Contact us with questions.
