Jackson Heights Beautification Group

Trains community members in tree care practices and, in partnership with Tree New York, has trained over a dozen Citizen Tree Pruners since 2012.

Maintains 19 garden spots through regular volunteer efforts each year from April to November, including planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, and general upkeep.

Engages in ongoing stewardship of public green spaces including Travers Park, Playground Ninety, and other local parks through volunteer-driven cleanup, planting, and maintenance activities. Organizes regular “It’s My Park!” events and conducts weekly gardening sessions from April through November.

Organizes regular volunteer-led street cleanup events to remove litter, sweep gutters, and clear debris from commercial corridors, residential streets, tree pits, and public gathering areas. Leads the Graffiti Busters program to clean graffiti and improve neighborhood aesthetics.

Operates the SCRAPS composting center at 69th Street and 35th Avenue, processing green waste locally without heavy machinery and producing high-quality compost used in community gardens and tree beds. Hosts a weekly food scrap drop-off program on Saturdays and educates residents on nutrient cycling and soil health.

Organizes the annual Halloween Parade featuring costumed children, marching bands, and a community performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance. Hosts the annual Holiday Lighting event with tree lighting, seasonal crafts, refreshments, and music. Organizes the bi-annual Good Neighbor Awards to recognize community contributors.

Produces the Summer Sundays in the Park concert series and its year-round extension, Summer Sundays Plus, featuring live music, dance, storytelling, and other entertainment. Hosts free Sunday afternoon events in local parks during summer months.

Organizes volunteer-led maintenance of the local dog run, including surface upkeep, fence repairs, waste station management, and seasonal improvements. Conducts cleanup days and fundraising efforts to support ongoing operations.

Sponsors and organizes the annual Historic Jackson Heights Weekend since 1991, featuring historical presentations, archival exhibits, self-guided tours of up to 15 private gardens, escorted walking tours of the historic district, and a children’s art contest.

Advocated for the designation of the Jackson Heights Historic District by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1993 and for its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Participated in advocacy efforts to expand protected historic areas.

Produces “Views from the Heights,” a community newsletter connecting residents since 1995. Published two books on the history of Jackson Heights: “Jackson Heights – A Garden in the City” (1990) and “Jackson Heights – From Ice Age to Space Age” (1996).

Plants and maintains street trees, butterfly gardens, and a native mini forest at PS 69 in partnership with NYC Parks. Conducted nearly 2,200 tree care activities in 2025, recognized as the most active tree stewardship group in NYC. Organized specific plantings including twelve trees on 37th Avenue and restoration of trees on 34th Avenue medians.

Helped secure passage of a law mandating 30 percent tree canopy coverage in NYC as a founding member of Forest for All NYC. Advocated for the creation of the 78th Street Playstreet/Pedestrian Plaza and the city's acquisition of the Garden School athletic field to expand Travers Park. Participated in rallies at City Hall for parks funding and pro-tree policies.

Revitalized and hosts the JHBG Children's Art Contest annually, engaging neighborhood children in grades K–8 to create original artwork celebrating Jackson Heights. Hosts a reception for winners, displays approximately 20 student artworks in local stores, and includes a children's art contest as part of the Historic Jackson Heights Weekend.