Annual Daffodil Project events return in September with free daffodil bulbs and locally sourced pollinator seeds distributed across all five boroughs starting after Labor Day. Launched in 2001 as a living memorial to 9/11 victims, the initiative has mobilized over half a million New Yorkers to plant more than 10 million bulbs in parks, schoolyards, and sidewalk plots. Plantings aim to create spring blooms that beautify public spaces and honor collective memory. Distribution sites function as community gatherings featuring neighbors, advocacy groups, and information on green-space efforts. New Yorkers for Parks uses the events to promote a "1% for Parks" funding campaign. Registrations fill quickly; volunteers can still help at distribution sites.
New York is about to get a burst of yellow. Next month marks the return of the Daffodil Project, the city's largest volunteer initiative and a living memorial to the victims of 9/11. Launched in 2001, the project has transformed into a citywide ritual of resilience, with more than half a million New Yorkers planting over 10 million bulbs in parks, schoolyards and sidewalk plots over the past two decades.
This fall, the tradition continues with weekend events across all five boroughs, starting right after Labor Day. Volunteers who register will head home with free daffodil bulbs and locally sourced pollinator seeds-think asters, monkeyflower and goldenrod-provided in partnership with the NYC Parks Plant Ecology Center. The idea is simple: Come spring, those plantings will erupt into a blaze of color that doubles as both civic beautification and a poignant reminder of collective memory.
The gatherings have grown into more than just bulb pickups. Each site doubles as a community event, with neighbors mingling, advocacy groups sharing resources and plenty of opportunities to learn about local green space initiatives. New Yorkers for Parks also uses the moment to spotlight its "1% for Parks" campaign, which calls on City Hall to boost funding for public parks from less than 0.6% of the city budget to a full percent.
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