Coolest Block in the Lower East Side: A Community Contest for Greener Streets

Introducing the Coolest Block in the Lower East Side: A Community Contest for Greener Streets

The Lower East Side Ecology Center (LES Ecology Center) is thrilled to launch The Coolest Block in the Lower East Side, an exciting new initiative designed to encourage community stewardship of street trees in the East Village, Lower East Side, and Chinatown neighborhoods.

This community-driven contest fosters environmental awareness, local engagement, and a healthy dose of competition, bringing together neighbors, schools, and organizations to transform their blocks into vibrant, green spaces.

How It Works

Residents, community groups, block associations, schools, and local organizations are invited to compete for the title of the Coolest Block in the Lower East Side. Participants will focus on key street tree care activities such as soil aeration, mulching, watering, and general cleanup, all while showcasing creativity and community spirit.

How to Get Involved

Join us throughout the Spring season for our Contest Information + Street Tree Care workshops! During these workshops, community members, local leaders, and sustainability advocates will come together to get involved in the Coolest Block in the Lower East Side initiative and gain the tools to effectively steward our local street trees. Additionally, these events will be an opportunity to learn about upcoming projects, share ideas, and connect with experts committed to making the neighborhood more livable and environmentally sustainable. Register for a workshop below!

Wed, March 12th from 4:00PM-5:00PM (Virtual, Youth Stewarded Category only) – Register
Sat, March 15th from 10:30AM-12:30PM at Seward Park Library – Register
Sat, March 29th from 10:30AM-12:30PM at Tompkins Square Park Library – Register
Sat, May 3rd from 10:30-12:30PM at Chatham Square Library – Register

Contest Registration:

Deadlines:

Update! April 25th: Youth Category Registration Deadline & Priority Residential Category Deadline
May 30th: Residential Category Deadline

Registration Forms:

- Complete Resident Category Registration Here
- Complete Youth Category Registration Here

Eligibility

Must live in:

East Village
Lower East Side
Chinatown

Residents:

Block Associations
Neighborhood or Faith-based organizations
Community Gardens
Friends of groups
Ad-hoc groups

Youth:

Green/Sustainability Team
After-school clubs
Teen programs
Youth-led groups
School Classes

Awards will be given in three categories:

Biggest Glow-Up – For the most improved block
Pollinator Friendly – For blocks incorporating pollinator-friendly plants
Youth Stewarded – For blocks with significant youth participation

Contest Highlights

Workshops & Resources: Participants will have access to monthly street tree care workshops, a tool lending library, and technical assistance from LES Ecology Center staff.
Judging Criteria: Blocks will be evaluated based on soil management, creativity, and community engagement.
Prizes:
- Residential Categories:
  - 1st Place: 2 tree guards, commemorative plaque, gift card to Gowanus Canal Lowlands Nursery
  - 2nd Place: commemorative plaque, gift card to Gowanus Canal Lowlands Nursery
  - 3rd Place: commemorative plaque, gift card to Gowanus Canal Lowlands Nursery
- Youth Category:
  - 1st Place: 2 tree guards, set of gardening equipment, commemorative plaque, mac & cheese party
  - 2nd Place: commemorative plaque, set of gardening equipment, ice cream party
  - 3rd Place: commemorative plaque, set of gardening equipment, ice cream party

Timeline & Key Events

February-March 2025:

Town Hall Kick-Off Social Event – Learn about the contest, ask questions, and connect with other participants.
Registration Opens – Sign up for:
- Youth Registration
- Resident Registration
Information Sessions & Street Tree Care Workshops – Get tips and hands-on training. Register below!
March 30th – Tool Lending Library Reopens

April 2025:

April 11th: Youth Category Registration Closes
April 18th: Priority Residential Category Registration Deadline*
Workshops

*Residential category contestants that register by April 18th will receive priority for Block Walks in May.

May 2025:

Block Walks – One-on-one chats and assistance from LES Ecology Center staff for Youth Category & Priority Residential contestants.
Information Sessions & Street Tree Care Workshops
Outreach Events
May 30th: Residential Category Registration Deadline

June 2025:

Judging for the ‘Youth Stewarded’ category
Outreach Events

July-August 2025:

Block Walks – Continued support from LES Ecology Center staff.
Watering Assistance
Judging for the Biggest Glow-Up and Pollinator Friendly

If you’re interested or have questions, please reach out to our Street Tree Care Coordinator at madison@lesecologycenter.org. Stay updated by following LES Ecology Center on social media @lesecologyctr.

Let’s make the Lower East Side the coolest—and greenest—neighborhood in NYC!

Why This Matters

The contest addresses a critical need for increasing urban tree canopy in the Lower East Side. Recent data highlights a dramatic reduction in tree coverage due to city projects, leaving the neighborhood with just 21% urban tree canopy—significantly below the citywide average of 44%. By promoting community stewardship, this initiative aims to restore and expand green spaces in our neighborhood.