Kingsland Wildflowers: How Broadway Stages and an Eco-Team Created a Thriving Green Oasis in Brooklyn
/Broadway Stages and Kingsland Wildflowers: A Green Space for Community and Sustainability
At Broadway Stages, we are committed to making our community better and protecting the environment. A testament to that commitment is our relationship with local eco-focused organizations that helped to create (and maintain) Kingsland Wildflowers, a beautiful green roof and community space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This project is an example of how unused industrial areas can be turned into thriving natural habitats. Not only do they help the environment, but they bring people together to learn, explore, and enjoy nature in the city.
How Kingsland Wildflowers Began and Why It Matters
Kingsland Wildflowers was founded in 2016 with a simple but powerful idea: to transform an empty rooftop into a green space filled with plants, insects, and wildlife. This green roof is home to native flowers and pollinators, helping support biodiversity in an urban setting. The space also offers breathtaking views of Manhattan and the nearby industrial landscape, giving visitors a peaceful and unique experience.
This project helps expand green corridors in New York City, which are essential for birds, bees, and other wildlife. It also shows how rooftops can be repurposed to improve air quality, reduce heat, and manage stormwater. By turning rooftops into gardens, we are creating a model for other urban spaces to follow.
Our Eco-Team and Their Roles
Kingsland Wildflowers is a success because of the teamwork between several dedicated organizations. Each partner plays an important role in making this project thrive:
● Broadway Stages: As one of New York's largest film and television production studio companies, we provided the rooftop at 520 Kingsland Avenue for the project. In addition to donating more than 24K square feet of space, we invested $2.5 million to build the green rooftop and also invest in its maintenance and educational programs. Our commitment to sustainability and community engagement continues to drive this project forward.
● Alive Structures: This woman-owned landscaping company specializes in green roofs and ecological gardens. Alive Structures, which inspired Kingsland Wildflowers, designed and installed the green roof, carefully selecting native plants to support local wildlife and improve environmental health.
● Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA): This organization works to restore, reveal, and revitalize Newtown Creek and the surrounding environment. NCA manages the educational programming at Kingsland Wildflowers, hosts community events, and promotes environmental awareness.
● NOoSPHERE Arts: This nonprofit arts organization joined the project in 2018. Founded by artist Sol Kjøk, NOoSPHERE Arts brings creative programming to Kingsland Wildflowers, blending art with environmental education. They host cultural events that inspire people to connect with nature through art.
A Green Roof Funded by Community Support
In 2015, Alive Structures brought together Broadway Stages, NYC Audubon (now known as the NYC Bird Alliance), and NCA to apply for a Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund (GCEF) grant. This grant awarded $1 million over three years to help build a 24,000-square-foot green roof designed to support birds, bees, and pollinators.
Thanks to Broadway Stages' initial $2.5 million investment and continued financial support, Kingsland Wildflowers has continued to grow. Today, the green roof has expanded by another 30,000 square feet, creating an even larger space for plants, birds, and people to enjoy. Alive Structures continues to maintain the garden, ensuring it remains a thriving habitat for years to come.
Our Goals and What We're Working Towards
The Kingsland Wildflowers project is focused on four key goals:
● Restoring Natural Habitats: By adding green spaces to the city, we help support local plants and animals, improving biodiversity.
● Educating the Community: We offer workshops, tours, and events to teach people about sustainability, green roofs, and the importance of protecting nature.
● Engaging with Local Residents: Our green roof is a place where people can come together, relax, and participate in environmental projects.
● Promoting Urban Sustainability: Green roofs help reduce pollution, control rainwater runoff, and lower city temperatures, making our urban spaces healthier for everyone.
Events, Classes, and Volunteer Opportunities
Kingsland Wildflowers is more than just a green space — it's a hub for education and community engagement. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, including:
● Educational Workshops: Learn about native plants, pollinators, bird conservation, and sustainable gardening practices.
● Community Events: Join us for festivals, live performances, and art installations hosted in collaboration with NOoSPHERE Arts.
● Guided Tours: Explore the green roof with expert-led tours highlighting its ecological importance and breathtaking city views.
● Volunteer Days: Get your hands dirty by helping with gardening, habitat restoration, and maintenance projects to keep Kingsland Wildflowers thriving.
Check out Kingsland Wildflower's Events page and Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest event schedules and volunteer sign-ups. We encourage you to join us and be a part of this exciting project!
At Broadway Stages, we believe in creating a greener, healthier city for everyone. Kingsland Wildflowers is a perfect example of how we can work together to build sustainable spaces that benefit both people and nature. We are proud of what we've accomplished with our amazing eco-team, and we look forward to continuing this work in the years ahead.
Together, we can make our city greener, one rooftop at a time!
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