Lead is a fact in the urban environment, and a legacy of past practices that allowed its use in products like paint and gasoline. Contamination from these and other sources continues to impact New York’s environmental justice communities. In this workshop, you will learn the science of lead in the garden, hear updates on research taking place in GreenThumb gardens, and best practices for keeping gardeners and neighbors safe. We will also celebrate the role that gardeners play in mitigating the harms of lead for residents when they create gardens out of vacant lots: it’s another benefit we are bringing to our neighborhoods! We will also distribute lead safely signs for participants’ gardens. This workshop is facilitated by Hannah Shayler and Sara Perl Egendorf.

This workshop comes out of Legacy Lead, a conversation between individuals and organizations including 596 Acres working to address and develop practices for mitigating and remediating lead contamination in urban dirt and dust. It is presented as part of GreenThumb GrowTogether, a day-long gathering of thousands of community gardeners and greening professionals from all over New York City for learning, sharing, networking and inspiring each other. So many topics to learn. Admission is $5 if you preregister here, or $7 at the door. Admission is free for kids 12 years old and younger. Call (212) 602-5300 or write greenthumbinfo@parks.nyc.gov for assistance. Facebook event here and event website here.