Brook Park Volunteer Day February 9

South Bronx, NY (UCTP Taino News) - Since 2010, community organization Friends of Brook Park (FoBP) planted over 40 trees in the South Bronx area. Using volunteers, the plantings have taken place around Brook Park in an effort to create green corridors in the local community and leading to the Bronx waterfront. FoBP has called a Volunteer Day on Saturday, February 9^th to plant more trees in the South Bronx area near the park.

“This is a wonderful and necessary initiative” stated R. Mukaro Borrero, President of the United Confederation of Taino People. “We need more trees in our urban areas and the experience of planting and seeing the trees grow in the neighborhood is something positive for young people. It introduces them to the concept of stewardship – taking care of the land.”

Borrero notes that many Taino community members use the park regularly and he is calling on community members to consider assisting. Along with the tree-planting other park maintenance will taken place. No experience is necessary, but it is “welcome” as are tools and equipment. All ages are welcome and the start time is 10am till about 2pm at Brook Park at East 141st Street and Brook Avenue in the Bronx. Interested persons can contact FoBP’s Tree Planting Coordinator, Carol Zakaluk at carol@friendsofbrookpark.org.

UCTPTN 02.02.2013

Local Bronx Konuko (Garden) Gets NY City Council Support

Photo: From left Harry Bubbins, NYC Council member Melissa Mark Viverito, NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and Roberto Mukaro Borrero.

South Bronx, NY (UCTP Taino News) – New York City Council Member Melissa Mark Viverito and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn visited Brook Park in the South Bronx on Friday October 6th 2006.

The visit was an opportunity for community members to meet with the Council members as well as for the Council members to express their support for Brook Park and its environmental education, and community based programs. 5th Grade Students from PS. 30 were on hand to greet the Council members as well as demonstrate the harvesting of several varieties of vegetables grown right in the park’s konuko (Taino word for garden).

“Friends of Brook Park” board members, Harry Bubbins and Roberto Mukaro Borrero (Boriken Taino) were also present to welcome the distinguished guest. Both Borrero and Bubbins took the opportunity to highlight the connection between local indigenous community support and environmental education.

Friends of Brook Park is a leading commuity based environmental organization in the South, South Bronx. The organization engages youth and adults in organic gardening, community supported agriculture, arts and indigenous cultural events and activities that convey a deep respect for the Natural world. In addition, Friends of Brook Park are strong advocates for environmental justice, waterfront access and green space development while leading shore clean ups and canoe and kayak introductions and eco adventure tours.

UCTPTN 10.10.2006