Environmental Protection
In the Tierra de Oportunidades Project youth from Nuestras Raíces have studied the flora and fauna of the land and the watershed:
- Identified and mapped plants and animals
- Tested the soil
- Tested the water quality
- Learned about native and invasive species of plants
- Learned about environmental regulations and policy
We will be working hard to be good stewards of our land, making it productive while protecting the wildlife and watershed. Over the next few years the youth leaders of Nuestras Raices, joined by community volunteers, will be removing invasive species of plants and replacing them with native species of bushes and trees, especially along the river, to create additional habitat and food for birds and small animals. We often see a bald eagle flying over the river.
We are very concerned about the Combined Sewage Overflows (CSOs) that, when it storms, let raw sewage flow into the Connecticut River. We plan to work with the city and partner organizations to see what can be done about this problem.
Many environmental organizations have never thought about the environment of an inner city and do not know how to engage inner-city residents in improving their environment. Proyecto Tierra de Oportunidades will bridge those gaps by connecting environmental protection and various quality of life improvements that need to happen in inner city Holyoke We will conduct community forums at the Centro Agrícola, churches, and various other sites throughout the community. An organizing effort will engage Nuestras Raíces members, the community, faith organizations, and environmental organizations in addressing the issues of poor conditions (trash, other pollution, drugs, gangs. Etc) with the subsidized housing projects of Holyoke to respond to a desperate need identified through our planning process and to build relationships throughout the community. We will raise the awareness of environmentalists of the issues of the environment of inner city Holyoke and motivate them to take responsibility in helping to address these issues as well as protecting pristine areas.
We recognize the following partners and agencies that have provided us with valuable assistance:
The City of Holyoke Conservation Commission, Department of Environmental Management's Trailways Program, EOEA's Watershed Improvement Program, USDA EQIP and WHIP, the US Fish & Wildlife Fund, the New England Shad Association, the Holyoke Water Department, the Massachusetts Environmental Trust's Environmental Education Program, Mt. Holyoke College, and the Holyoke Children's Museum.
