Our Temenos, a landscape design firm in Bedford Stuyvesant, is pioneering the development of urban green stewards via its horticulture internship program led by Rosemarie Miner. Collaborating with Commonpoint and city organizations, the program involves five to seven interns each cohort, emphasizing hands-on skills in masonry and horticulture over a 250-hour commitment. Interns also improve interpersonal skills, preparing them for landscaping or construction careers. Participants express growth in trust and skills, contributing to an enriching learning environment.
"Our vision is that eventually public space would actually be stored in a way that's, like, ecologically functional and appropriate," said Miner.
"This is my first job, but as I started coming more and more often and dedicated, I've learned a lot more. I've gained the experience," said intern Abul Ragin, 20.
"I feel like with Rose, she gives us enough trust in the start so we can actually be able to do the work for her, and I think that's a big part of working with her," said intern Udell Felurant, 19.
"Working with your hands, I think is better than sitting and working a nine to five. You're looking at many different environments, not just one thing every day, and that just helps you mentally, too," said Ragin.
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