How radical gardeners took back New York City - Vox
Seed bombs, the "tree lady of Brooklyn," and the roots of urban gardening.
New York City looked a lot different in the 1960s and 1970s. A sharp economic decline and white flight meant there was mass disinvestment and urban decay, particularly in the city’s lower-income neighborhoods. It’s what Hattie Carthan and Liz Christy noticed in their communities when they each set out to revive their neighborhoods by making them greener. Ultimately, their radical acts of gardening would transform the landscape across New York City.
Learn more about the Hattie Carthan Community Garden and Farmer’s Market: https://www.hattiecarthancommunitymarket.com/
Learn more about the Liz Christy Garden: http://lizchristygarden.us/
Learn more about Karen Washington’s work: https://www.karenthefarmer.com/
Check out the Green Guerillas’ ongoing work: https://www.greenguerillas.org
Learn more about the casita gardens across New York: https://ny.curbed.com/2015/10/1/9915402/inside-the-casitas-of-the-south-bronxs-community-gardens
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But they spawned a movement that is still thriving today. And I agree, every city could benefit from activism to make them greener! 
And I couldn't agree more. And this is also what Michelle Obama did, started gardens at the White House and taught kids to plant vegetables. I thought that was such an important effort. And these gardens have changed cities and lives - as does teaching people how to grow their own food. 
For bringing us this important video.
I'm so glad that I found it! There isn't as much news on weekends, so I looked through some of my "subscriptions" and I loved this one so much that I just had to share it... 
And I agree, everyone needs green spaces in their lives. And that's just wonderful that your sister got involved. These foresighted women and the groups that formed did an amazing job of transforming so many parts of The City. Obviously, with the willow trees, gardens and trees were meant to grow there. I'm fortunate, live upstate near the Adirondacks, lots of woods. In fact, I stopped for a small deer on my way home earlier tonight. I rolled down my window and told him to get back into the woods - and he did! Whew!
And you are fortunate to have trees nearby. Where I parked tonight, in the shade of a large tree, my friend pointed out that there were caterpillars all over! And while the rest of the trees in the vicinity have gotten all their leaves (no big surprise since it pours here almost every day), that one is still bare. So it happens. It's at the local municipal center, so I'm hoping that they have someone come and take a look at it. 
And it's fortunate that you have nearby parks to visit. We have lots of woods and mountains, but there has been a lot of recent development (including where I live) that was originally just woods - hence the deer. Most of my neighbors are big on their lawns and landscaping, but I prefer leaving as many trees as possible, it bothers me when they cut them down.
My mother's closest friend and neighbor passed away 2 years ago and they inexplicably cut down all the trees on the property before refurbishing and selling the house - including a giant pine on the corner of the property that she just loved - and a crab apple tree that she planted herself. I don't get it and it bothers me every time I drive by.
So it's not just planting that we need to do - but preserving what we already have.
They inspired me in my younger environmentalist days:
https://thevillagesun.com/remembering-e-11th-st-green-power-pioneers
