Camilla Ledezma

Camilla Ledezma's picture

URI Internship Year:

2024

Graduation Year:

2024

Degree:

BS

Camilla is 2024 Community Greenspace intern hailing from Providence, Rhode Island. She is a recent graduate of Yale College, where she majored in Environmental Studies and Psychology, with a certificate in Education Studies. Camilla is passionate about building community through land stewardship, so she is delighted to be spending the summer doing just this–working with dedicated community members, maintaining greenspaces, and getting to know New Haven’s neighborhoods. In her spare time, you may find Camilla climbing trees, picnicking, or playing card games.

Group

Arch Street

Cedar Hill Neighborhood

Friends Of Farmington Canal

Friends of Kimberly Field

Oyster Point

Fair Haven Neighbors In Action

Lenzi Park

Greenspace Log

Date Category Photos Group Summary

08/04/2024

Planting
Planting

Cedar Hill Neighborhood

For their last workday, the group worked to pull overgrown weeds, cut back vines, and plant hostas and daylilies under the 219 sign on Warren Place. This particular space is often one's first entrance to Cedar Hill; stewarding and beautifying it in this way sends a positive, welcoming message to the Cedar Hill and greater New Haven community: many people have love and care to give to the people and spaces around them.

08/03/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Oyster Point

We did some light stewardship work for our last session, cutting back and weeding plantings in Triangle Park, pruning trees in Bayview Park, and adding deer protection to our newly-planted Blackgum tree. Most importantly, we appreciated the space we have worked hard to steward over the past months. We reflected on our achievements: how easily we met all of our planting and stewardship goals this season, and how we had new volunteers join us for our planting days. This is a lovely, peaceful site; all are invited to visit and enjoy the space!

08/03/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Friends of Kimberly Field

Our final workday was a success! We aimed to weed the path and milkweed area, lay one-half yard of stone dust on the path, line the path and our pollinator garden with wood planks, add mulch to our shrubline wherever needed, and of course, water. We took plenty of breaks and still achieved our goals with time to spare. As we brought in our last load of mulch, we were delighted to see a monarch butterfly fluttering around the site! At the end, we reflected on our work this season and on how much we had enjoyed working as a team to achieve our vision for the site as an inviting community space along Kimberly Ave.

08/02/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Arch Street

On our final workday together, Cindy and I did some weeding and tree pruning in the park. We reflected on the season, celebrating this summer's achievements (a beautifully designed central garden, for example) and discussing plans for future Greenspace summers. Cindy called attention to the work of other Arch Street volunteers, who dedicate their time to the park when they can, despite other life commitments. They work to keep the space safe and inviting to their neighbors; this dedication is a testament to the strength of the Arch Street community!

08/01/2024

Social
Social

Friends Of Farmington Canal

For our last session, the group–volunteers, CPEN interns and staff, and others–came together to enjoy the park space over snacks and refreshments. We reflected on our achievements this summer, expressing gratitude for the hard work and dedication that everyone in the group has put into creating such a beautiful and inviting space for the community. We will miss these workdays and look forward to building on our work next season.

08/01/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Lenzi Park

The group had a productive stewardship session on this workday–weeding, deadheading, and pruning to keep the park and its gardens healthy and safe for the community. They also enjoyed some watermelon to stave off the heat. As a note, while this was the group's last workday during the Greenspace season, they will continue to meet each week, Thursdays at 5pm. Please contact group leader Jenny Berkett (jennyberkett@gmail.com) to get involved.

07/30/2024

Social
Social

Fair Haven Neighbors In Action

For our last meeting, Ed and I went on a walk through the neighborhood as he spoke to me about Fair Haven's history, how the neighborhood has changed over the years that he has lived here, and how the group–Fair Haven Neighbors in Action–has contributed to that change. We discussed our achievements this season–our successful stewardship efforts and planting of two street trees–as well as difficulties we ran into (e.g. dumping in the neighborhood). We imagined potential paths forward for the group, which has made a clear positive impact, stewarding both a sense of togetherness and a love of nature for many in the community.

07/27/2024

Planting
Planting

Friends of Kimberly Field

What an amazing work session! The volunteer team at Kimberly Field exceeded expectations today, planting and re-planting a total of ten(!) shrubs to create two parallel shrublines along the fence, planting five flowers to create a mini-pollinator garden on the sunny side of the lot, and watering and mulching all planted areas. This would not have been possible without all the encouragement and support volunteers provided to each other. We look forward to doing some more stewardship work in the space for our last workday, next Saturday 1-3pm. All are invited!

07/27/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Oyster Point

We had a peaceful work session at Triangle Park today, clearing the path of mugwort and removing bittersweet vines from the rose bushes. We worked among the pollinators, the butterflies and the bees... At the end, Murray and I walked through the space as he told stories of the of history of each planting–where the plants came from, who had planted them, how they had fared in the space over the years. There is a lot to learn and appreciate in this seaside park; anyone interested is welcome to join us in the park for our last workday next week, Saturday at 10am.

07/26/2024

Planting
Planting

Cedar Hill Neighborhood

Such a fun workday at Cedar Hill. We planted three black-eyed susans in the median area, and before moving on to do more plantings, Kenya and her family brought the new URI green signboard to the View St playground, where children from the community were invited to decorate it with handprints, fingerprints, names, and drawings. They made it their own! Afterwards, we moved on to Rebecca's tree, under which we planted and mulched three hostas. We will spend our last workday next week clearing weeds and planting by the 219 sign at the intersection of Warren Place and Cedar Hill. Please join us!

07/25/2024

Planting
Planting

Friends Of Farmington Canal

This was a special workday at the Learning Corridor! Volunteers from Lenzi Park, another Greenspace group, joined CPEN (Doreen Abubakar's Community Placemaking and Engagement Network) interns and summer camp attendees to plant native plants in the Urban Oasis, expanding it northward. Volunteers worked together to plant, water, mulch, and pull weeds in the area, creating a more welcoming educational space for the Newhallville and Farmington Canal community. Plants came from the Urbanscapes Plant Nursery across the street. The group is looking forward to future Greenspace collaborations. In fact, all are invited to next week's final meeting a celebration of the park that the group has dedicated time and care to stewarding. We hope to see you there!

07/23/2024

Planting
Planting

Fair Haven Neighbors In Action

What an awesome tree planting day in Fair Haven! Volunteers and neighbors joined us to plant two trees in the curb strip on Exchange St, digging and pickaxe-ing through soil and rocks to give the trees plenty of room to extend their roots and establish themselves in their new home. We also planted 4 perennials, daylilies and coreopsis of different colors, under the trees to add a nice splash of color to our plantings. Really great work! To help steward these and other trees, and to recognize group leader Ed Rodriguez's hard work over the years, please join us for our last workday of the season next Tuesday, 5-7pm!

07/20/2024

Planting
Planting

Friends of Kimberly Field

This group is doing transformative work at Kimberly Field! This workday, we came together to plant 3 shrubs and 7 perennials in and along the site's gardens. The group worked together to water and mulch these plantings, with our site leaders guiding our younger volunteers and sparking their excitement for plants and gardening. It is a joy to work at Kimberly; we encourage you to join us for our last few workdays on Saturdays 1-3pm!

07/20/2024

Planting
Planting

Oyster Point

The Friends of Oyster Point group is meeting and exceeding their goals this season! After planting two trees at the end of June, we have been working to steward trees at Bay View Park–pruning, removing invasive vines, and mulching around the trees to stave off the growth of weeds. This workday, we also planted, watered, and mulched 2 new hostas at Bay View. We then moved onto our last Greenspace area, Triangle Park, to remove weeds and cut back bushes in the park. We will meet at Triangle Park next week to continue this work; please join us on Saturday from 10am-12pm!

07/19/2024

Planting
Planting

Cedar Hill Neighborhood

A productive workday at Cedar Hill! We planted 9 new perennials–hostas, liriope, sedum–to fill in empty spaces in the median, which is looking very lush and green and cared for! We then moved on to Rebecca's tree to mulch under it. Unfortunately, we found that previous year's planting had been mowed at this latter site. The group is resilient, however; we plan to add perennials under the tree next week, as well as wait to see what may grow back. Please join us to support this work on Fridays at 5:30pm!

07/19/2024

Planting
Planting

Arch Street

This week, Cindy and her neighbors worked together to plant 14 perennials in the center and side gardens at the site. This group works throughout the week, when neighbors are able to come out and help, coordinating through a neighborhood group chat. Their coordination and passion for the work is inspiring! If you'd like to pitch in as the group works to meet their goals for the space, please join our workdays on Fridays 4pm!

07/18/2024

Planting
Planting

Friends Of Farmington Canal

A great day of planting along the Farmington Canal! This workday, the group planted, watered, and mulched around 12(!) hostas, 3 andromeda shrubs, and various other perennials to fill in areas under the trees, by the Farmington Canal pillars, and the area by the water fountain, working together smoothly, effectively, and making time to connect with each other along the way. We are looking forward to planting native plants in the Urban Oasis area of the site next workday. These plants will be sourced from Urbanscapes, a native plant nursery run by group leader Doreen Abubakar, located just across the street from the site. Please join us on Thursday 5:30-7pm for this important work!

07/18/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Lenzi Park

This week, the group worked to steward the park by spreading grass seed, weeding, deadheading, and pruning existing plantings. The park looks amazing; all are encouraged to visit! For those interested in lending a hand and joining the group, you can meet us at Lenzi every Thursday, 5-7pm!

07/16/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Fair Haven Neighbors In Action

We finished up essential stewardship work on Wolcott St this week, weeding, watering, and mulching under all newly planted trees. This is essential because it ensures the trees' survival as they continue to establish themselves in this new environment. Ed and the team will spend the last few weeks of Greenspace planting trees, and we need all the help we can get! Please join us each Tuesday from 5-7pm!

07/13/2024

Planting
Planting

Friends of Kimberly Field

A great day of planting at Kimberly Field! Volunteers planted 9 perennials in the center garden and under the tree in the curb strip. The group also watered, laid down mulch, removed invasive vines, and picked up trash along the site. As a newer Greenspace group, Friends of Kimberly Field is always looking for new volunteers – please join our workdays every Saturday from 1-3pm!

07/13/2024

Planning
Planning

Fair Haven Neighbors In Action

Ed and I met to discuss tree planting plans for the coming weeks and to mark the spaces where we will plant as part of the City's Call Before You Dig (CBYD) protocol. We are looking forward to planting trees this season!

07/12/2024

Planting
Planting

Arch Street

Cindy and her neighbors collaborated to plant 9 perennials this week, working together to water them regularly and steward the park space. This has been amazing to witness, as the Arch Street community, solely in their capacity as volunteers, is determined to continue maintaining and beautifying this space for the neighborhood. Please join us to work at the site, Fridays at 4pm!

07/12/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Oyster Point

This week, we began our stewardship work at Bayview Park, pulling and cutting down an impressive amount of invasive vines and weeds. The photo for this week shows Murray next to a brush pile he created singlehandedly! Next week, we'll finish up this work and move onto Triangle Park for our last few workdays. Please join us, every Saturday 10-12pm!

07/12/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Cedar Hill Neighborhood

Many hands make light work! The volunteer team worked to weed and mulch the entire median area by East Rock Park this week, working quickly and efficiently while also making time to connect with the rest of the team. We will continue our stewardship work next week at Rebecca's tree. Please join us, every Saturday from 5:30-7pm!

07/11/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Lenzi Park

Despite the heat, the volunteer continued their awesome stewardship work this week, watering, pruning, and weeding to maintain this beautiful park space. Community members are encouraged to visit this park and enjoy the space! Interested volunteers can join the team at work every Thursday, 5-7pm.

07/11/2024

Planting
Planting

Friends Of Farmington Canal

Though we ended early due to the heat, our team worked together to plant over a dozen perennials and shrubs, both in the native plant Urban Oasis and in the gardens across the Farmington Canal! The space is coming along very well; the team should be proud of their work. We are looking forward to continuing our planting efforts in these last few weeks of Greenspace – please join us, Thursdays 5:30-7pm!

06/29/2024

Planting
Planting

Oyster Point

Awesome turnout for our tree planting event this weekend! Our volunteers worked together to plant two full-sized trees at Bay View Park; one Blackgum and one Cornelian Cherry Dogwood. We worked as a team to get this done; great work all! Next week, we will be stewarding these and other trees at Bay View Park; please join us!

06/29/2024

Planting
Planting

Friends of Kimberly Field

We accomplished a lot at this work session! Some volunteers planted and watered in the garden in the center strip, others removed an impressive amount of mugwort from the sides of the lot. Despite the heat, we managed to work as a team and transform the site in just one session! We are looking forward to planting more at Kimberly during our next workday; please join us on Saturday from 1-3pm!

06/28/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Cedar Hill Neighborhood

We had a great workday at Cedar Hill! We finished weeding, de-vining, and removing leaf litter from the Cedar Hill playground fenceline; we then mulched this area. Next, the group will be stewarding (weeding, planting, mulching) the median near East Rock Park. Please join us every Friday from 5:30-7pm to join in on this essential work!

06/28/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Arch Street

Cindy and I did a lot of stewardship around the site on this workday! We weeded the middle area, pruned the shrubs and trees, picked up trash, and removed brush from the lot. We are looking forward to planting next week; please join us on Fridays from 4-6pm!

06/27/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Lenzi Park

The Lenzi team has done it again! On this workday, the group pruned back plant overgrowth, used a scuffle hoe to weed the park's winding stone dust path, and laid down grass seed on patches of bare earth in the park, spreading compost over the seeds and watering to ensure growth. These stewardship efforts are essential. Please join the Friends of Lenzi Park on Thursdays 5-7pm to contribute to their work!

06/27/2024

Planting
Planting

Friends Of Farmington Canal

A great day planting at the Learning Corridor! We put in 7 new hostas with beautiful white flowers to fill in, or “hast-ify,” the areas under the trees, and we added three perennials—1 red coralbell, 1 lariope with purple flowers, and 1 golden coreopsis—to the triangle garden on the corner. We also did some stewardship these plantings, watering and mulching them so they can adapt well to their new home along the Farmington Canal. We’ll be adding more plant to the site during our next workday, so we’re looking to get all hands on deck. Join us, Thursdays 5:30-7pm!

06/25/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance
Tom, Steve, and Murray remove invasives and cut back overgrowth in the beach area
Tom, Steve, and Murray remove invasives and cut back overgrowth in the beach area

Oyster Point

The group did great work at the Howard Avenue Beach today! We finished weeding the oasis area, removed invasive mugwort and other weeds on the beach, cut back overgrowth on the shrubs by the sidewalk, and put down mulch in the oasis. Next week, we will be planting hostas in the curb strip. All are welcome to join.

06/22/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance
Raking leaf litter outside Cedar Hill playground

Cedar Hill Neighborhood

Though we had to put a pause on work due to the approaching storm, we had the opportunity to hand out flyers, rake up leaf litter, and weed along the fenceline around the Cedar Hill playground. This maintenance work is essential to making sure our Parks are inviting and welcoming to visitors.

06/22/2024

Planting
Planting

Oyster Point

Another great day at the Howard Avenue Beach! Today, we prepared the curb strip across the Beach Oasis for planting by removing grass and weeds. We then planted hostas along the border of the area! Following our planting, we watered the plants and mulched the area. We spent the rest of our time at Bay View park, assessing the area for next week, as we will be planting two trees there. We'd love all the help we can get for our upcoming tree planting day. You're invited - please join us!

06/22/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance
Volunteers weeding central area of Kimberly lot
Volunteers weeding central area of Kimberly lot

Friends of Kimberly Field

This Saturday we weeded and mulched the center area and curb strip in front of the Kimberly Ave lot. This coming week we will continue maintenance work and plant some perennials. Please join us at Kimberly on Saturday 1-3pm!

06/20/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Friends Of Farmington Canal

We accomplished a lot at the Learning Corridor today, weeding and mulching all planted areas across from the Oasis! Next week we will be planting perennials to supplement existing plantings along the pillar and Triangle. Please join us, Thursdays 5:30-7pm!

06/20/2024

Planting
Planting
Jenny prepares to plant!
Jenny prepares to plant!

Lenzi Park

This week, the group of volunteers planted 2 Rocket Ligularias, cleaned up the daffodil greenery along the fenceline, and watered the trees and perennials. As always, volunteers are welcome to join every Thursday, 5-7pm.

06/19/2024

Planning
Planning
Group leader Cindy cutting down overgrowth in the center of the Arch Street lot
Group leader Cindy cutting down overgrowth in the center of the Arch Street lot

Arch Street

Cindy and I met to discuss goals for this summer on Arch Street. We also did some light maintenance work (pruning). Goals include improving sight lines in the park, fixing infrastructure, planting flowers, and hosting an end-of-season gathering on our last workday. We will be working at these goals throughout the summer, on Fridays from 4-6pm. Please join us!

06/18/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Fair Haven Neighbors In Action

Such an uplifting workday in Fair Haven! Despite the heat, we conducted essential stewardship work on the Wolcott Street trees, watering them with the invaluable help of a few neighbors, and spreading mulch around them. Neighbors would often come out to help as we worked by the tree outside their home, creating a real sense of community. What a great session! We encourage interested volunteers to join us, Tuesdays 5-7pm.

06/15/2024

Social
Social
Carlos canvassing at one of his neighbor's homes
Carlos canvassing

Friends of Kimberly Field

Carlos and I canvassed along Kimberly Avenue, inviting community members to join us at the park for our upcoming workdays. Please come by the Kimberly lot on Saturdays from 1-3pm to help us beautify the space!

06/13/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Lenzi Park

In group leader Jenny Berkett's words, this workday was "an excellent session, with a lot being accomplished." The volunteers, removed weeds, spread mulch, and tackled the Japanese anemone overgrowth in the garden beds on Jefferson Street. Great work!

06/13/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Friends Of Farmington Canal

A great workday at the Learning Corridor! The youth and I removed invasive weeds from the Urban Oasis area, continued maintenance on the pillar and Triangle areas, and paused our work for a poison ivy ID tutorial. We will be continuing our work next week as we gear up to plant native perennials in the space!

06/13/2024

Planning
Planning
Kimberly Ave lot
Kimberly Ave lot

Friends of Kimberly Field

Carlos and I met to discuss the group’s goals for the season, including stewardship work on existing plantings, vine and weed removal, and flower planting. Workdays will begin this Saturday from 1-3pm. We will meet at the site, the vacant lot beside 178 Kimberly Ave. Please join us!

06/11/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Fair Haven Neighbors In Action

Another excellent workday in Fair Haven! Today, we continued our tree maintenance work along Exchange, Poplar, and Wolcott Street, pruning dead branches, removing weeds from the areas under trees, and spreading mulch. We discussed pervasive issues in the neighborhood (e.g. dumping) and how, despite these, Ed's work makes a difference in the neighborhood, providing shade and beauty essential to a livable environment. You're invited to undertake this work with us, every Tuesday 5-7pm.

06/08/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance
Murray removes weeds from the Beach Oasis area
Murray removes weeds from the Beach Oasis area

Oyster Point

Murray and I removed weeds and invasives from the Howard Avenue Beach Oasis. We discussed the rest of the season, including the possibility of planting perennials in the curb strip near the oasis. We are looking forward to further beautifying the space in the coming weeks!

06/06/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Lenzi Park

The group undertook some important maintenance work at the park this week, removing weeds, sweeping, thinning the Japanese anemones in the Jefferson Street garden beds, and straightening the bricks surrounding the trees. This work is what keeps our parks looking beautiful and inviting! Please join the group at Lenzi park every Thursday from 5-7pm; all are welcome.

06/06/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Friends Of Farmington Canal

We began important maintenance work on the Farmington Canal Greenway today! We unloaded mulch and removed weeds from the Triangle area by the road. We look forward to continuing this work on upcoming workdays, every Thursday 5-7pm.

06/04/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Fair Haven Neighbors In Action

On this workday, we spent half our time picking up trash and removing weeds on Exchange Street, and half our time continuing our canvassing efforts in the neighborhood, looking for potential tree adopters. This is important work for Fair Haven, a historically redlined neighborhood, and we need all the volunteers we can get! Please join us on Tuesdays 5-7pm.

06/01/2024

Social
Social

Oyster Point

Steve, Micha, Lily, and I canvassed throughout the neighborhood, handing out flyers about our upcoming workdays. We will be meeting every Saturday from 10am-12pm at the Howard Avenue Beach. We're looking forward to the summer – we will be maintaining our Greenspaces and planting new trees. All are invited to join!

05/31/2024

Planning
Planning
Cedar Hill signboard with flyer

Cedar Hill Neighborhood

Ms. Betty Thompson, Kenya, and I met to discuss the Cedar Hill Neighborhood's goals for the season. We will be meeting on Fridays from 5:30-7pm to maintain existing Greenspaces in the neighborhood – the Cedar Hill playground, the median close to the playground, the area under Rebecca's tree, among others. Any and all volunteers are welcome. We are looking forward to a great summer!

05/30/2024

Planning
Planning
CPEN birding event
CPEN birding event

Friends Of Farmington Canal

Doreen and I met to do a walkabout of the site and make a plan for our work on the Learning Corridor this summer. We will be focused on revitalizing the native plant Urban Oasis, maintaining and planting perennials in the pillar areas by the Canal, stewarding the plantings under the trees, and planting shrubs by the fenceline. Our work is closely tied to the work of Doreen's non-profit, the Community Placemaking and Engagement Network (CPEN), which employs and provides educational experiences to youth in the neighborhood. After our meeting, in fact, CPEN organizers had put together a birding tutorial for the community (see photo), which was lots of fun to partake in! We are looking forward to a great summer at the Learning Corridor. Please join us on Thursdays from 5:30-7pm!

05/30/2024

Maintenance
Maintenance

Lenzi Park

The start of the season at Lenzi Park is all about stewardship! There are many beautiful existing plantings and infrastructure that need to be maintained; the group did just this on this workday, weeding the path and the garden beds, thinning Japanese anemones, and sweeping the sidewalk. They look forward to welcoming more volunteers throughout the season, on Thursdays from 5-7pm. All are welcome.

05/29/2024

Social
Social

Fair Haven Neighbors In Action

Ed and I met to canvass in his Fair Haven neighborhood, speaking with community members about the possibility of planting street trees outside their homes. Ed is a leader in the community, having planted over 90 trees over his tenure with URI. This is his last season as a Greenspace leader. We are grateful for Ed's leadership and are looking forward to a great season! Please join us on Tuesdays 5-7pm to help plant and maintain trees in the neighborhood.

05/28/2024

Planning
Planning

Oyster Point

Steve, Lily and I met to formulate plans for stewarding the Oyster Point Greenspace this summer. We walked through the beach area, Bay View Park, and Triangle Park. We discussed Steve's vision for maintaining the beach, clearing weeds and pruning trees at Bay View, and planting two trees this summer. We scheduled our first group meeting for June 8, where we will be meeting at the Howard Avenue Beach to begin maintenance (e.g. weeding) on the area. All are welcome!

05/28/2024

Planning
Planning

Lenzi Park

Jenny and I met to discuss the group's plans for Lenzi Park this season, which include maintaining the park's beautiful perennial gardens by removing weeds and mulching, maintaining the stone dust path, and planting new perennials in shady areas. Volunteers are welcome to join the group every Thursday from 5-7pm!