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| "The Green Team Film" Summer Green Team 2016 |
As we celebrate 15 years, it is appropriate for this year's theme to be "Planting a Legacy." With over a decade focused on expanding our local tree canopy, we are excited to partner with the state to expand our Green Streets program and to plant nearly 5,000 trees in Lawrence and Haverhill over the next 3 years. Increasing the tree canopy reduces energy bills, absorbs floodwaters, improves water and air quality, reduces runoff and erosion, and decreases crime rates.
Planting a Legacy is about more than trees. It is about making investments that improve the environment, strengthening our education system and developing programs that promote healthy lifestyle. It is about our Green Team members. It is about the young people who participate in our school and summer programs who are prepared for lifetimes of healthy living and environmental stewardship. Planting a Legacy is about working with residents, all levels of government, and community and corporate partners to build healthy and economically sustainable communities.
In our 15 years, over $21 million in improvements have transformed underutilized lots into parks and gardens and created the Spicket River Greenway so residents have safe places to recreate and exercise. Our Costello Urban Farm, farmers markets, Share-A-Share™ program, school and backyard gardens, and healthy living classes are making meaningful inroads into addressing the lack of fresh food access and improving health outcomes. Planting a Legacy is about bringing together more than 2000 volunteers each year in events that not only make improvements to our neighborhoods, but build on our sense of community and respect for each other.
We are grateful for your past support. Together we will continue building our legacy. Have you heard? You can invest in our work in a new and exciting way through the Community Investment Tax Credit Program. Established by the Massachusetts Legislature with the goal of spurring more private donations to community development organizations, the credit enables you to invest in Groundwork Lawrence while receiving a substantial tax benefit.
With a contribution to Groundwork of $1,000 or more, you will receive a 50% refundable state tax credit - which means you can recover over 50% of your donation.
How will you plant a legacy in this New Year and beyond?
Yours in Gratitude,
Heather McMann, Executive Director
