As someone who enjoys nature hikes and spending time among trees, I felt a familiar sense of calm and purpose as I joined Big Reuse’s Street Tree Care event in Bushwick as part of my NYSERDA Fellowship. Volunteers gathered early that morning alongside the Clean Bushwick Initiative, eager to give back to their neighborhood. Each participant’s determination was inspiring as they worked together, loosening compacted soil and adding mulch to help the trees grow stronger. Big Reuse staffer Lorial began the day with an engaging introduction about the importance of street trees and moved thoughtfully from one tree to the next, lending a hand and encouraging everyone along the way. As I photographed and filmed the event, I captured moments of teamwork, laughter, and focus that showed the volunteers’ genuine care for their community. Speaking with them and hearing their stories was deeply rewarding, as their lighthearted energy and commitment to protecting the city’s green spaces reflected how small acts of care can create lasting change for our streets and neighborhoods.
With funding from Council Member Sandy Nurse of District 37, Big Reuse and the Clean Bushwick Initiative have built a strong partnership rooted in community and sustainability. Together, they lead ongoing efforts to care for local street trees, reduce litter, and strengthen the green spaces that make neighborhoods healthier and more vibrant. .
Rooted in Collaboration
This partnership has been growing for years, long before some of today’s volunteers joined. For Ulrike (Ulli) Nischan, who helps lead these efforts, it’s a continuation of a long-standing commitment to keeping Bushwick green. She shared that “we’ve been working with Big Reuse for a few years now. Even before I started volunteering, there was already a relationship established.” Ulli explained that this section of Bushwick was chosen for today’s event for a reason: “This part of the neighborhood is really high traffic, has a lot of garbage, and maybe doesn’t get as much care,” she said. What motivates her most is the visible impact. “The most satisfying thing is walking down the street afterward and knowing that’s going to help the trees grow bigger and provide more resources to the neighborhood.” Looking ahead, she hopes to see even more people get involved.
Neighbors Leading by Example
Each volunteer brought a unique story to this shared work. For Kelly, who has lived in Bushwick for nearly a decade, street tree care is a way to give back to the neighborhood she loves. After years of watching trees protect her block from flooding and heat, she began volunteering with Clean Bushwick Initiative and Big Reuse. “Everybody loves a nice, big tree, and they do so much service for us, so we should do some service for them,” Kelly said. What started as simple trash pickup has become a routine that keeps her grounded. “Volunteering is a great way to start a weekend morning. I always feel invigorated and connected to people in the neighborhood.”
From Social Media to Stewardship
Joy and Kate discovered Big Reuse through Instagram and community groups, drawn in by curiosity and a shared love for nature. “It feels so great. I feel like I’m really actually here, helping out the environment around me and giving back to the trees that give us so much,” Joy shared. Kate added, “Volunteering helps me reconnect with the neighborhood. The trees may not be as grand as a national forest, but they still provide what we need.” Both hope to see street tree care become part of everyday city life, with Joy noting, “In five to ten years, I hope tree care is more of a common practice, with neighbors integrating it into their lives and being more connected to their trees.”
A Neighborhood That Cares
Through partnerships like Big Reuse and Clean Bushwick Initiative, small volunteer actions have grown into a movement that strengthens Bushwick block by block. From cleaning litter to spreading mulch, volunteers are creating greener, more welcoming streets while deepening their connection to the place they call home. Every cared-for tree bed represents more than beautification; it is a growing expression of pride, care, and hope for Bushwick’s future.
Want to Get Involved?
Join a Street Tree Care event with Big Reuse and help us grow a greener city block by block. Find upcoming volunteer opportunities → LEARN MORE HERE
Support community stewards like Ulli, Kelly, Joy, and Kate by donating to Big Reuse and helping us continue our environmental work → DONATE HERE
Blog Post written by NYSERDA Fellow Tatiana Guerra