Where you'll be:
Located on a local heritage site in what is now a heavily urban area of central Aurora, the project preserves the legacy of the Dobbs family who originally homesteaded this project site and saved saplings in the path of state highway development from destruction by transplanting them and creating the grove of sapling trees on the north side of the property. The project will provide access to the restorative and healthful power of nature to the 81 households living at Sapling Grove Apartments, an affordable housing community for families and individuals currently under construction on the south portion of the site. Eventually, the site will also host a second affordable housing community for seniors age 62+.
What you'll do:
Volunteers will be completing tasks such as clearing brushes near the on-site sapling grove, mitigating noxious weeds, building trails, and planting trees, grasses, pollinator gardens, and/or shrubs. These efforts will support Grovewood Community Development's effort to create a safe and accessible place for Sapling Grove residents to experience the outdoors in their backyards.
Why it's important:
This project will impact the daily lived experience of the immediate community by providing safe and convenient access to outdoor recreation and enjoyment opportunities and help preserve a rare, forested area in an otherwise urban landscape. It will engender healthy lifestyle practices by providing the Sapling Grove community with an area to exercise and to relax and will nurture positive relationships with the outdoors. The project will also facilitate health equity programming and other education opportunities by providing a venue for learning about the importance of time spent outdoors, exercise, meditation/relaxation, and gardening. Lastly, as mentioned, the project also benefits members of the broader community by facilitating access to Country Lane Park just north of the site.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Ages 14+
All youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.
If you are a parent looking to sign your child up for this opportunity, please create a separate account on their behalf, and then register them through that account.
Please click here for comprehensive instructions on how to do this.
This process is intended to be as easy for you as possible while helping to ensure that the necessary paperwork and information is completed. Thank you for taking these steps, and for your understanding.
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered easy to moderate, please check our difficulty rating criteria, here, for more details.
Accessibility Factors:
Vehicle Accessibility: Street parking available within a 5–10-minute walk to project site
