• ✓Aresh coordinated with Jennifer Hernandez (DOT Furniture)
• ✓Aresh regenerated 3 tree pits by Lincoln Ave bank side
• ○Jada: physical walkthrough with Parks Tree Pit Unit (led to May 26 walkthrough)
• ○Jada: ask Mychal for introduction to incoming bank at Lincoln Triangle
• ○Jada: add site map or Google Maps link to shared workspace
• ○Matthew & Jada: continue refining map and site parameters

• ✓One bed confirmed plantable for perennials now. Two larger beds held for trees once scaffolding comes down (~1 year).
• ✓The tree at this site is an American Elm — if it survives, it will eventually be larger than any tree visible in the surrounding area. Plantings and fencing directly support its survival.
• ○Elongated bed / bioswale opportunity: beds could join into one long configuration for storm water capture. DEP jurisdiction; flag for future coordination.
• ○Willow installations: in barrels rather than in-ground at the most constrained corner (DOT pedestrian pathway concern).
• ○Long-term community park vision confirmed — Vernon open to partnership with LAC. Council member connection may unlock capital project funding.

• ○Pit 1 (north side, near street light): resident stewardship anchor — identify building contact.
• ○Pit 2 (south side, top of hill): angled cars backing into pit. Large tree canopy overhead. Plant small shade-tolerant shrubs toward the back. Requires metal or thick Black Locust guard — vehicle impact resistance is essential.
• ✓Corner of 137th & Cypress: released from Phase 1 scope. Car rental operation makes it too high-effort for now.

• ✓Bus station pit (St. Ann's near 138th, east side): newly plantable under new DOT rules this month. Sturdy metal guard in place. Parks updated its records.
• ○Vernon's suggestion: offer community and local businesses several tree species choices for this pit — the incoming tree should be welcomed, not imposed.
• ○Two rec center-adjacent beds: large trees overhead with drip lines extending over the pits. Possibly shift south as drip lines recede. Vernon took photos.
• ○PS 277 pit: good conditions for a school-led learning bed — shrubs, willow elements, open experimentation with children.
• ✓Vernon's pace guidance: very hardy shrubs first, one block at a time. Don't do everything at once.

• ✓Trash cleared from all three beds before planting
• ✓Weeds pulled with full roots — organic material composted separately (educational moment on dandelion root systems and soil health)
• ✓Compost and coffee grounds (high nitrogen) mixed into pit soil
• ✓Native perennials planted in confirmed beds
• ✓Willow stakes planted in the willow zone — pre-cut at angle at base for planting
• ✓3 inches of mulch applied across all three pits (~11 wheelbarrow loads) to lock in moisture against summer desiccation (Vernon's recommendation)
• ✓Rope-and-post perimeter fencing installed around all beds — deters dogs and foot traffic
• ✓Chalk mapping of future green space at Graham Triangle drawn on sidewalk
• ✓FDNY Engine 60 visited — confirmed magnetic caps are DEP-managed (key water logistics finding)

• ○Have more wheelbarrows (or use large wagon more centrally) — 11 loads across 3 pits stretched 3 barrows thin
• ○Fix or replace the wheelbarrow with missing wheel screw before next session
• ○Secure water access at 2490 3rd Ave before next planting session
• ○Produce design concept flyers (willow / native understory / standard guard) for community selection
• ○Schedule next group meeting to debrief, review cluster 2 & 3 sites, and set watering stewardship assignments

🌿 Native Planting Guide for Tree Pits

• ▸Select the toughest cultivars available — especially at Cluster 1 and 2 where summer heat and parking pressure are severe
• ▸Apply 3 inches of mulch to all beds after planting to lock in moisture (Vernon's recommendation)
• ▸For Cluster 2 south side: shade-tolerant shrubs only, positioned toward the back of the pit away from backing cars
• ▸Citywide Nursery at Van Cortlandt Park: plant materials confirmed available. Mark up the "availability list" tab in the Jessica Einhorn spreadsheet and coordinate pickup.

🔨 Tree Guard Creation Guide

🛡 Tree Pit Urine Deflection System

💧 Watering Protocol

📋 Materials List

• ▸Tools: 3 wheelbarrows (repair screw on the wheel), 1 large wagon for mulch transport, shovels, pitchforks, hand trowels, gloves
• ▸Mulch: ~11 wheelbarrow loads per 3-pit session. Pre-load wagon; distribute from central point.
• ▸Soil amendments: Compost + coffee grounds (high nitrogen) mixed into pit soil before planting
• ▸Plants: Native shrubs and perennials (from Citywide Nursery, Van Cortlandt Park); willow stakes pre-cut at angle at base
• ▸Fencing: Rope-and-post perimeter materials (posts + natural rope, low-impact and removable)
• ▸Compost bags: Separate from trash — organic material composted, not landfilled
• ▸Chalk: Sidewalk chalk for community mapping and future green space sketching
• ▸Fabrication (guards/benches): 316L marine-grade stainless steel hardware, EPDM gaskets, nano-ceramic anti-graffiti coating; coordinate with Yin To on plasma cutter files
• ▸Urine deflection system: 2-liter bottles (sliced half-pipe), 100% silicone sealant, stainless steel hose clamps or zip ties