June 2020
Ready to Go: Summer Programming
Despite all that has happened this year, we continue our work to build the leaders of tomorrow with our summer youth programming. The Green Team is our hallmark youth program with this goal in mind. Summer Green Team will launch in July with a hybrid schedule of in-person and remote programming. Green Team members will have the opportunity to virtually visit a national park and talk with field experts, help organize and host a Virtual 5K, and work on virtual and in-person service learning projects in their community.

Urban Adventures is our summer program for middle school students to explore service learning and social emotional learning through a project-based curriculum. This year we are partnering with Esperanza Academy and YDO of Lawrence to offer a 4 week virtual program. We are also partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence to offer a variation of the program at the club. If you're interested in signing up or learning more, contact Vallary .
Planning for the Future at Tombarello
Two weeks ago, Groundwork Lawrence supported the city's efforts to clean up the 14 acre Tombarello Lot (shown below) by organizing a Zoom meeting for residents to learn about upcoming remediation efforts. The work will remove various contaminants including asphalt, petroleum, and PCBs. All excavated materials will be sent for offsite disposal at appropriate landfills and replaced with clean imported fill. The work is funded by MassDevelopment, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the City of Lawrence. 

The city's contractor will mobilize June 18 to begin site preparations for the work. Air quality will be monitored to ensure public health is not compromised. The project should be completed by the end of July. To learn more about the site, our work, and to view the presentation from the community meeting, check out this page .
Same Events, Different Approach
COVID-19 has presented us with some challenges, but the show must go on! This year we will take a virtual approach to the Greenway 5K and the Spicket River Cleanup.

For the Greenway 5K , registrants will be able to participate in a variety of ways: run the 3.1 mile distance on the Spicket River Greenway on their own time, run in their neighborhoods, or run on their favorite trails. Upon completion of the course of their choosing, they will be asked to tag us in a photo with their distance and time. More details will be announced soon!

For the Spicket River Cleanup , we will encourage folks to participate by getting out and cleaning their yards and the frontage on their street. To make this at-home cleanup easier, we will provide bags and gloves to all those who wish to steward their neighborhood for the day. Despite not being able to host a large event, GWL is excited to bring the community together virtually through this effort and help promote and be a part of the ongoing stewardship of Lawrence's open spaces and neighborhoods. Stay tuned for more information on how you can join in!
Farmers Markets Return
With close attention to the various guidelines and regulations regarding COVID-19, we are altering the way our markets run, but rest assured we are still having our summer farmers markets . We are currently working with our partners and the cities of Lawrence and Methuen to finalize locations and dates. Tentatively, we are scheduled to begin the markets the week of July 6, 2020 and run through October 30.
Black Lives Matter
In the weeks since the tragic death of George Floyd, there have been renewed cries for justice in the face of the countless Black lives lost to police brutality. Protests and calls for action continue to grow. We see this as a moment to remind ourselves and our community that we will stand fast in our fight for Black and Brown lives in our city and across this country--if you have not done so already, take a moment to read our statement here .

Our statement only begins to address how our work fights for racial justice. In the coming days, weeks, and years, GWL’s work will continue to prioritize the addressing of race-based inequities in our society and offer resources for community members to learn more about and take action on these issues. Follow us on facebook , twitter , and instagram to stay up to date on this work.

The Black Lives Matter movement does not only apply to police brutality, but calls attention the systemic racism that threatens Black lives throughout our society. With this in mind, GWL has been working with the Task Force on Coronavirus and Equity to ensure an equitable reopening of the state, as Black and Brown communities have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. To learn more about this work, check out the MA Public Health Association's website and follow #EquitableReopening.