Community Gardens New York

Let's go to "Making Brooklyn Bloom" at BBG

Conference Theme: Hello, Brooklyn! Neighbors in Nature **[Making Brooklyn Bloom](https://enews.bbg.org/q/g9Lal0kGxg0XCNS3uKWL7LVU5yv5sKATgnBZcOJSEVMRURBQE1TTi5DT03DiAHNKwuLJfc7-ZLi5KFRZysGhjStQ "https://enews.bbg.org/q/g9Lal0kGxg0XCNS3uKWL7LVU5yv5sKATgnBZcOJSEVMRURBQE1TTi5DT03DiAHNKwuLJfc7-ZLi5KFRZysGhjStQ")** is back for 2026 offering a variety of free workshops, activities, giveaways, and exhibitors at this year’s conference! This year’s conference theme, “Hello Brooklyn! Neighbors in Nature,” highlights BBG’s community greening programs, particularly the **[Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest](https://enews.bbg.org/q/21J4IGLfgO0XBrYc6tpqUZuzbkg8Ys3JsaJZcOJSEVMRURBQE1TTi5DT03DiAvwBxxoNSdqB0LTKw44JvGVrsAdA "https://enews.bbg.org/q/21J4IGLfgO0XBrYc6tpqUZuzbkg8Ys3JsaJZcOJSEVMRURBQE1TTi5DT03DiAvwBxxoNSdqB0LTKw44JvGVrsAdA")**, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. **Conference tickets are required for all attendees**. Get FREE conference tickets NOW at **[bbg.org/mbb](https://enews.bbg.org/q/sGQsyvrB_f0XErUcOgVBUOuP5qxidukK2A3ZcOJSEVMRURBQE1TTi5DT03DiAIlS-hkNIc6ZzLfzvqNgr3dyZUuw "https://enews.bbg.org/q/sGQsyvrB_f0XErUcOgVBUOuP5qxidukK2A3ZcOJSEVMRURBQE1TTi5DT03DiAIlS-hkNIc6ZzLfzvqNgr3dyZUuw")**. Registration for morning workshop sessions and the keynote address opens March 2 and is **online only** (limited seats; no on-site registration). Afternoon workshop sessions do not require registration and are first come, first seated on event day. This year's **Wilbur A. Levin Keynote Address will be given by Kofi Thomas**—community gardener, public speaker, and comedian. Says Thomas: “I believe we can fight for the land and for each other with a smile... as long as we look to nature for the lessons that teach us how to care for one another. Lessons like interdependence, resilience, and harmony. In fact, without the principles embodied in our gardens, there would be no community.”

(Manhattan) Hearth -- FULL: A Secular Community for Spiritual Conversations

In-person intro session for secular, non-religious young adults to try Hearth’s wisdom discussions and peer-support circles.

Growing Community Food Forests

Session explaining Community Food Forests for community organizers and environmentalists; you will learn how agroforestry can produce food and restore land.

Plant Powered Cooking Class in Parkchester

Hands-on in-person plant-based cooking class for beginners; participants cook together and share a wholesome plant-based meal.

Friday Improv Jam 6:30pm / Community Show 7:30pm ($10)

Improv NOW! hosts a double-header with an audience-participation improv jam and a community show. For improv fans and newcomers, attendees can perform with a team.

Sunday Gathering: Dead Plants: Why Do They Matter?

Intro to herbaria for plant enthusiasts; online, beginner-friendly gathering. Takeaway: what herbaria are and how to access their data.

Sunday Service @ Hope Midtown - 10AM service

Sunday worship service (in-person) for church attendees and first-time visitors; masks optional; online Zoom option available; register to connect with the community.

Presidents Day Vegan Dinner at Urban Vegan Kitchen

Vegan/vegetarian NYC meetup dinner where attendees dine together at a vegan restaurant; newcomers are warmly welcomed and each person pays for their own meal.

DATE CORRECTED: In-Person Meeting and (No-Media) Freeganism 101 & Trash Tour

In-person freeganism group meeting for newcomers, including Freeganism 101 and a trash tour; outcome: plan future group activities.

Lunar New Year Walk: Brooklyn to Queens Chinatown - 20miles

Our epic 20 mile Lunar New Year walk is back! Celebrate the Year of the Horse with the Shorewalkers as we journey from Sunset Park Chinatown in Brooklyn to Flushing Chinatown in Queens - two of NYC's most vibrant Chinese communities. **When**: Sunday February 22, 2026; start at 9:30am **Where**: Outside 8 Ave subway station in Brooklyn, N train, take 8 Ave exit **Distance**: 20 miles, point to point from Brooklyn Chinatown to Queens Chinatown, approx. 7-8 hours Brisk pace, some hills and stairs **Walk details:** We will start this Lunar New Year walk in **Brooklyn's Chinatown on 8 Ave**, also called Sunset Park's Chinatown. It is one of the largest and fastest growing ethnic Chinese enclaves outside of Asia. We will walk along 8 Ave's festive Lunar New Year decorations and bustling markets. On our way we will walk through some of our favorite parks: Sunset Park, Prospect Park, Highland Park, Forest Park and Flushing Meadows. Also, discover some lesser known neighborhoods, like East Flatbush and Brownsville Our walk will end in **Flushing Queens**, which has the largest Chinese population in the city and, in fact, outside of Asia. It also is a true American fusion where you can find everything from McDonalds to Chinese seafood restaurants and from Starbucks to bubble tea cafes. Those interested can join us after the walk at a food court where you can purchase food & drinks. Bring cash! Bring lunch (no purchase at lunch spot possible) and plenty of water. Many dropout points along the route. Hike leaders: Sigrid Stropnik (text with your name: 404-991-8229) Maureen Barodin 718-954-1582 Jonathan Miller Ivan Falla

🍀☘️Let's March in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Forest Ave☘️🍀

Winter FH Walkie Lunch

Forest Hills residents walk and lunch together; vote on cuisine (Georgian/Indian/Italian) and the winning option is reserved for the group.