Mechanic Street Arboretum

Neighborhood: East Rock

Type of Site: Vacant Lot Vacant Lot

Address: 89 Mechanic Street, New Haven, CT, 06511

2013 Greenspace Report

The Mechanic Street Mavens had accomplished great feats in the past, epitomized by the creation of a beautifully quaint corner park, the Mechanic Street Arboretum. This year, a new leader stepped forward named Stefanie Lapetina, who was determined to tackle a weedy and overgrown streetscape by the Star Supply building, a site of not too infrequent dumping. After some early outreach and streetscape stewardship up and down Mechanic Street, they garnered enough support and new energy to direct their focus to this site. The group decided on a repetitive design pattern of Yoshino cherry and and Tree Lilacs. After initial mowing and weed removal, these trees began to rise, each week adding increasing charm and poise to the neighborhood. They finished off the year by complementing each newly planted tree with 10 perennials at its base.

2013 Accomplishments

  • 6 trees planted (3 Cherry Yoshinos, 3 Tree Lilacs)
  • 85 perennials planted (Hostas, Daylilies, 4 Rudbeckia, 4 Russian Sage, 4 Coneflower)
  • 3.0 yards compost spread
  • 5.0 yards mulch spread
  • 8 events
  • 24 volunteers
  • 114 volunteer hours