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 The
Hyde Square Task Force in Action
Mark it down for history, folks, the expansion is visibly underway thanks
to the back-breaking work of the eleven area youth on the
Hyde Square Task
Force. After going through a rigorous interview process, these
high-achievers were selected to undergo the necessary training and
education in order to complete the first phase of Mount Pleasant’s urban
landscaping. The overall expansion project also includes completion of the
design, approval process, and financing.
Mount Pleasant is lucky enough to be on the Emerald Necklace and with
about one acre of woodlands, we have a responsibility to keep it healthy
and allow it to grow. The youth crew works each day in the blistering heat
cleaning out the undergrowth, pulling weeds, and planting trees. They work
closely with the landscape architects at Strata Design Associates and
Massachusetts licensed forester Christian Binggeli, MFS.
 The
youth crew’s work will allow the woodlands to be more accessible to the
residents. Plans involve adding nature paths while maintaining the tree
canopy.
 Each
week the Task Force meets in with Mount Pleasant residents to learn about
urban ecology, the history of the Emerald Necklace, safety with tools or
equipment, potential environmental dangers like poison ivy or erosion, as
well as landscaping as a career. These sessions are both educational and
inter-generational; the knowledge gained by both groups is immense.
The Task Force also join the residents for games challenging each group’s
expertise. Youth crew member Sadé Smith says she “has a fun time with the
residents. It makes me feel good to be able to come out and help the
community through Mount Pleasant’s project.”
This project does not end when the crew heads back to school in the fall.
Task Force participants will continue to meet with the residents to keep
in touch and stay involved as project plans emerge. Then next summer the
students will be able to come back to Mount Pleasant and continue the
landscaping work.
After so much time together, these youth are already developing a strong
commitment to the building, the grounds, as well as the residents of Mount
Pleasant Home. This commitment coupled with their drive are priceless.
Hyde Square Task Force Pictures
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