In 2023, the LSPA awarded a “30for30” grant* to support the Sanderson Street Pocket Park project in Greenfield, MA. Led by the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and the Youth Climate Action of Franklin County (YCAFC), in collaboration with the City of Greenfield, Greenfield Middle School, and The Brick House Community Resource Center, the project transformed underutilized municipal land into a vibrant, community-centered green space—while training young people as environmental leaders and stewards.

About the Project Organizers
CRC works to restore and advocate for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities throughout the Connecticut River watershed. YCAFC is a grassroots organization that creates climate-resilient landscapes while engaging youth in environmental justice neighborhoods across Franklin County.

A Youth-Led, Community-Driven Project
CRC, YCAFC, The Brick House, and the City of Greenfield collaborated to create a publicly accessible pocket park adjacent to the Greenfield City Offices and directly across from Greenfield Middle School—both located within an environmental justice neighborhood. The project was designed to address climate justice through both the function of the landscape and a participatory planning process that engaged neighbors, students, City staff, and community partners.

Project outcomes included revitalizing an underused public space, creating pollinator habitat, planting trees to provide shade for school pick-up and drop-off areas, increasing carbon storage, and supporting youth education and career development. Youth participants played a central role in designing, installing, and evaluating the park’s impact.

From Lawn to Living Landscape
Planning began in winter 2024 and included close coordination with City departments, middle school educators, City employees, and nearby residents. A community design charrette held in March 2024 provided valuable public input and helped refine the park’s design.

Phase 1 of the Park’s installation took place in summer 2024, with youth removing invasive species and replacing turf grass with diverse Massachusetts native perennials, shrubs, and trees. Additional work included installing biodegradable weed barriers and spreading wood chips provided by the City’s Department of Public Works.

In winter 2025, YCAFC youth constructed and installed a wooden bench and nest box, followed by a second round of plantings in summer 2025 that expanded restoration areas and enhanced shaded habitat beneath a mature Black Oak tree. 

Environmental Justice in Action
Green spaces like the Sanderson Street Pocket Park are critical infrastructure, particularly in communities that have historically lacked access to healthy outdoor environments. By converting lawn to resilient native landscapes, the project improves stormwater management, supports biodiversity, reduces maintenance needs, and creates a welcoming space for rest and connection. Equally important, it centers youth leadership—providing hands-on experience in ecological restoration, land stewardship, and civic collaboration.

Future Stewardship and Development
YCAFC will continue stewarding the site in partnership with the City of Greenfield, focusing on invasive species removal and managed ecological succession. The second phase of the project is planned for spring 2026, and it aims to expand restoration efforts behind the City offices, potentially across the street at Greenfield Middle School, and along the forested border near the Federal Street Cemetery, where invasive Oriental Bittersweet is currently impacting native vegetation.

The LSPA is honored to support CRC and YCAFC. The Sanderson Street Pocket Park demonstrates how youth-led, community-based projects can advance environmental justice while delivering lasting environmental and community benefits.

Read the full project report and view project photos here.

*The LSPA launched the “30for30” grant program in 2023, in celebration of its 30th anniversary. The goal of the program was to support EJ efforts that deliver lasting educational and environmental benefits across the Commonwealth. This program was re-launched in 2025 as the EJ Grants Program. Learn more.