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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Local non-profit organization, SistersWe (SW), has received two grants from the Arbor Day Foundation in conjunction with BNSF Railway (BNSF) for environmental beautification projects in San Bernardino. They will be holding a celebration on Friday, January 10, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Viva La Boba and Breezeway located at 475-479 W. 4th Street in San Bernardino.
Working with the owners of Viva La Boba, David Friedman and Tansu Philip, “The Historic Downtown San Bernardino Living Pocket Park Project” will turn the side of a building on 4th Street into a “Living Wall” complete with an original sculpture created by local artist Nathaniel Gelston. Surrounded by historic buildings, this block has the highest concentration of old buildings still standing in San Bernardino. Succulents and other plants that help sequester oxygen will be planted on the wall using a hydroponics system; the adjacent alley way and courtyard will be developed into a community event space. Trees and shrubs will complete this urban green space, providing health and environmental benefits to the entire community.
“The Muscoy Pocket Park Project” will add an additional 15 trees to an existing SistersWe project on a donated property located at the corners of California and Nolan Streets. The trees will line the walkway leading to a circular seating area in the center of the pocket park. The planted trees will be monitored by SW for three years for growth and health conditions as part of a statewide “Urban Forest” project. Future plans include adding 20 raised-bed family garden plots, a Farmer’s Market, movie nights and other family activities throughout the year.
The mission of SW is to provide Inland Empire residents and communities with cleaner air, healthier eating options and a healthier environment. They will accomplish that by donating and planting trees to provide a beautiful canopy, and sequester carbon in our cities and neighborhoods. Other community gardens will be established at various locations throughout the IE. Founded in December 2018, SW is the brain child of biological sisters Nedra Myricks, Vanessa Dean and Adrienne Thomas. Vanessa and Adrienne are graduates of the “Green Infrastructure” training program and wanted to bring the knowledge and skills they acquired to their community and others. Adrienne also recently received her Master Gardner certification. Nedra is a retired Administrative Professional and functions as Executive Assistant for the group. The sisters are natives of San Bernardino and have a long history of supporting community activities in the art and music fields.
Please join them as they announce the development of these two new Pocket Park projects and take a tour of the future “Living Wall” site. Several sample concepts of Nathaniel Gelston’s artwork will be on display for the public to vote for their favorite. Don’t miss out on your chance to vote!
