2008 Environment & Architecture

8/14/2019 2008 Environment & Architecture

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FOCUS AREAS

I. Economic Self-sufficiency

II. Reducing Racial Disparity

III. Environment & ArchitectureIII. Environment & ArchitectureIII. Environment & ArchitectureIII. Environment & Architecture

IV. Arts & Culture

Community Impact Rep

Enhancing and Leveraging Significant

Natural, Historic &Architectural Resources

New CFGB Publication Series Takes Closer Look at Key IssuesNew CFGB Publication Series Takes Closer Look at Key IssuesNew CFGB Publication Series Takes Closer Look at Key IssuesNew CFGB Publication Series Takes Closer Look at Key Issues

In 2007, we introduced the four focus areas defined in our five-year strategic plaThroughout last year, we began to concentrate our leadership efforts, informationgathering, programming and discretionary funding in these areas.

Throughout 2008, we will go into even more depth. Our Community Impact Repowill share information on critical issues; anticipated and actual outcomes of ourefforts; and stories about the impact we are making on peoples lives. Our goal isto inform the community on these issues and on the progress the CommunityFoundation is making towards our mission of Connecting people, ideas andresources to improve lives in Western New York. Thank you for your interest!

The ContextThe ContextThe ContextThe Context

Our region has a wealth of natural assets, including the rich ecosystems shaped

our proximity to two Great Lakes, and a system of public green spaces that dates

back to the regions economic boom. Our region, like many others, also faces a

wide range of challenges in protecting and restoring the quality of the air, water,land, flora and fauna which is vital for a healthy environment for residents. The

protection and enhancement of these natural and built assets are crucial to the

revitalization of the area, yet relatively few philanthropic resources are devoted to

their preservation. CFGB sees an opportunity to play a leadership role on issues

related to the environment by convening groups and shepherding resources to

support local environmental assets.

March 2008March 2008March 2008March 2008

CONTENTS

Grantee Impact Stories

Leadership Initiative Review

CFGB Investments

Quick Facts

Investment Summary
http://www.cfgb.org/


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J. Milton, Zeke Zeckhauser

Impact in Action: Grassroots GardensGardens

" Iwassurprisedhow manygroups andcitizens areconcernedaboutrevitalization...ourregionhaspassionandenergyin abundance!"

Summit attendee

The Problem: Vacant City LotsThe Problem: Vacant City LotsThe Problem: Vacant City LotsThe Problem: Vacant City Lots

For decades, many Buffalo neighborhoods have beendecimated by crime, economic distress, transitorypopulations, and the ills of absentee landlords. Buffalosvacant property issues have exacerbated these problems.

While demolishing abandoned houses alleviates someproblems, the empty lots left in their places quickly attracttrash, crime and a host of other troubles that destroy oururban neighborhoods. The lowest income neighborhoodshave suffered the most. Despite the abundance of vacantland, Buffalo, one of the countrys oldest industrializedcities, has urban neighborhoods that lack easilyaccessible, safe, community green space, such asneighborhood pocket parks and community gardens.

A Working Solution: CommunityA Working Solution: CommunityA Working Solution: CommunityA Working Solution: Community GardensGardensGardensGardens

In 2007, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo awarded GrassrootsGardens of Buffalo $7,500 to support the enhancement and expansion ofcommunity gardens on vacant properties in Buffalo. Grassroots Gardenshelps people develop and sustain community gardens, with a focuson neighborhoods that have suffered from population loss, crime and economicadversity.

Grassroots Gardens was founded in1995 by J. Milton Zeckhauser, Zeketo his many friends, a lifelong Buffaloresident and businessman whorecognized the impact communitygardens could have on Buffalosurban neighborhoods.

The community gardens aredeveloped on city-owned vacantproperties throughout Buffalo. Thesegardens, which include ornamental, produce and mixed-use gardens help to:

Beautify neighborhoods

Provide fresh produce to city residents

Empower people in their communities

Provide ongoing health benefits

Serve as "living classrooms"

Improve the quality of life for city residents

Help beautify and strengthen the neighborhoods around

them while providing fresh fruit and vegetables to many

city residents

From just a few gardens in 1995, Grassroots Gardens has developed nearly 40gardens on more than 80 vacant lots. Their success is due largely to volunteergardeners, of whom there are about 200-250 in any given season, with hundredsmore participating in spring clean ups and installations.

For more information, visit www.GrassrootsGardens.org.For more information, visit www.GrassrootsGardens.org.For more information, visit www.GrassrootsGardens.org.For more information, visit www.GrassrootsGardens.org.

City lot before Grassroots Gardens.

City lot after Grassroots Gardens.
http://www.vacantproperties.org/resources/BuffaloBrief_FINAL.pdfhttp://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.vacantproperties.org/resources/BuffaloBrief_FINAL.pdfhttp://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/


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Funding PrioritiesFunding PrioritiesFunding PrioritiesFunding Priorities

The following goals and community solutions were identified by the Community Foundation as priorities in thenatural resources area for funding:

1. Build community understanding and capacity for environmental stewardship (protection, restoration,management, awareness, advocacy)

2. Restore and protect significant water resources

3. Restore and increase public green spaces to include urban parklands and livable neighborhoods

CFGB awarded a total of 10 grants to support the eCFGB awarded a total of 10 grants to support the eCFGB awarded a total of 10 grants to support the eCFGB awarded a total of 10 grants to support the environment and area natural resources in the 2006nvironment and area natural resources in the 2006nvironment and area natural resources in the 2006nvironment and area natural resources in the 2006----2007200720072007competitive grant cycles, totaling $135,945.competitive grant cycles, totaling $135,945.competitive grant cycles, totaling $135,945.competitive grant cycles, totaling $135,945.

Buffalo Audubon SocietyBuffalo Audubon SocietyBuffalo Audubon SocietyBuffalo Audubon Society $20,000

Enhancement of 324 acre nature preserve, Beaver Meadow, in Java, NY that features programs and services toserve the general public with natural history education and outdoor recreation opportunities. The site hosts more

than 17,000 visitors a year.

Buffalo Niagara RiverkeeperBuffalo Niagara RiverkeeperBuffalo Niagara RiverkeeperBuffalo Niagara Riverkeeper $12,500

To improve water quality by distributing 1,000 rain barrels into the community to prevent 130,000 gallons of stormrunoff into sewer system, preventing pollution and flooding.

Buffalo OlmsteBuffalo OlmsteBuffalo OlmsteBuffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancyd Parks Conservancyd Parks Conservancyd Parks Conservancy $20,000

To give 300 participants of Erie County Department of Social Services program training and experience in parksmanagement in 1000+ acres of parkland designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

GrassrootsGrassrootsGrassrootsGrassroots Gardens of BuffaloGardens of BuffaloGardens of BuffaloGardens of Buffalo $7,500

To support the enhancement and expansion of community gardens on vacant properties in Buffalo. GrassrootsGardens has already helped the community create 40 gardens on 80 vacant properties.

Recent CFGB Investments in the Environment

Visitors enjoy Beaver Meadow. Conserved WNY farmland.
http://www.buffaloaudubon.com/http://www.buffaloaudubon.com/http://www.buffaloaudubon.com/http://www.buffaloaudubon.com/http://www.bnriverkeeper.org/http://www.bnriverkeeper.org/http://www.bnriverkeeper.org/http://www.bnriverkeeper.org/http://buffaloolmstedparks.org/http://buffaloolmstedparks.org/http://buffaloolmstedparks.org/http://buffaloolmstedparks.org/http://buffaloolmstedparks.org/http://buffaloolmstedparks.org/http://buffaloolmstedparks.org/http://preserve.bfn.org/bam/kowsky/kowold/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://www.buffaloaudubon.com/http://www.buffaloaudubon.com/http://www.wnylc.org/http://preserve.bfn.org/bam/kowsky/kowold/http://www.wnylc.org/http://www.buffaloaudubon.com/http://www.grassrootsgardens.org/http://buffaloolmstedparks.org/http://www.bnriverkeeper.org/http://www.buffaloaudubon.com/


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New CFGB Informational ReportNew CFGB Informational ReportNew CFGB Informational ReportNew CFGB Informational ReportThis newly developed Community Impact Report takes a closer look at our third focus area: Enhancing andLeveraging Significant Natural, Historic & Architectural Resources.

We welcome your feedback on this new publication, our grant making, leadership activities and focus areas . If youhave comments or would like to join our efforts, please contact us at [email protected] or call (716) 852-2857. Ask forCara Stillman, VP, Program or Stuart Lerman, Senior Gift Planning Officer. We look forward to hearing from you.

Community Impact Report March 2008

Grants By Strategic GoalGrants By Strategic GoalGrants By Strategic GoalGrants By Strategic Goal ---- Environment & ArchitectureEnvironment & ArchitectureEnvironment & ArchitectureEnvironment & Architecture

OURMISSION

Connectingpeople,

ideasand

resourcesto

improvelivesin

WNY.York

712MainStreet

Buffalo,NY14202

852-2857www.cfgb.org

CFGB Impact Summary: By the Numbers

Train 300 new workers in parks maintenance

Revitalize 1,586 acres of green space

Educated 200 from 10 counties on farmlandpreservation, 260 acres of farmland preserved

130,000 gallons of cleaner water

Improved 457,800 visitor experiences atenvironmental and architectural destinations

Restore 3 architectural landmarks further

CFGB 2006-2007 Investments = $195,945Additional Dollars Leveraged = $120,000Total Financial Impact = $315,945

Nonprofitorg.

U.S.Postage

PAIDPAID PAIDPAID

Buffalo,NY

Permit#518
mailto:[email protected]://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/http://www.cfgb.org/mailto:[email protected]


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Nature ConservancyNature ConservancyNature ConservancyNature Conservancy $17,000

Land acquisition as part of 447 acre parcel in Zoar Valley, which contains astunning series of valleys and deep gorge canyons carved out by Cattarau-gus Creek as it winds its way across Western New York to Lake Erie,

nourishing ancient forests, floodplains and fertile valleys as it moves.

Pfeiffer Nature CenterPfeiffer Nature CenterPfeiffer Nature CenterPfeiffer Nature Center $6,490

To develop 1,200 feet of accessible interactive interpretive trail as part of apermanent trail system on the 188 acre educational resource near Olean.The Center has more than 9,000 visitors annually.

VaVaVaValley Community Association, Inclley Community Association, Inclley Community Association, Inclley Community Association, Inc. $18,845

To protect, manage and maintain more than 38 acres of public greenspaces and urban parklands including the Valley Nature Park & Habitat Trail

and Buffalo River Park.

West Village Renaissance GroupWest Village Renaissance GroupWest Village Renaissance GroupWest Village Renaissance Group Johnson PaJohnson PaJohnson PaJohnson Park Restorationrk Restorationrk Restorationrk Restoration $5,000

To support efforts for the Johnson Park Restoration Fund. Johnson Park isBuffalos first park, established in 1837 and located in the West Village.

WNY Land ConservancyWNY Land ConservancyWNY Land ConservancyWNY Land Conservancy $9,000

To engage 10 county governments and local farmers on farmlandconservation. Approximately 200 people participated and an additional260 acres of farmland is now protected.

Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc.Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc.Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc.Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc. $19,610

To enhance educational opportunities for wildlife conservation andstewardship as the Buffalo Zoo plans for growth and redevelopment.

Recent CFGB Investments (continued)

Quick FactsQuick FactsQuick FactsQuick Facts

Trees and green space remove airpollutants, carbon monoxide,nitrogen oxide, ozone, small

particulate matter, and sulfurdioxide.

The US Forest Service calculatedthat over a 50 year lifetime onetree:

Generates $31,250 worthof oxygen

Recycles $37,500 worth of

water

Controls $31,250 worth ofsoil erosion

Provides $62,000 worth ofair pollution controlpollutants

Whats Next?Whats Next?Whats Next?Whats Next?

CFGB has established a steering committee to create a community-widecoalition whose charge will be to develop and implement a shared regionalenvironmental agenda for Western New York.

The steering committee members reflect different sectors and include the

US Army Corps of Engineers, US Natural Resources Conservation Service,Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA), University at Buffalo,Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, and a over a dozen other organizations.

The coalition will work to identify environmental challenges, establishcollaborations and cooperative planning, and work to develop priorities toimprove our region's environmental quality.

For more information or if youd like to get involved, please call CaraStillman, Vice President, Program at 852-2857, extension 209.

Weed and seed participants plant
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art13583.htmlhttp://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art13583.htmlhttp://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art13583.htmlhttp://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art13583.htmlhttp://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art11835.htmlhttp://www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org/http://www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org/http://www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org/http://www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org/http://www.thevalleycenter.com/http://www.thevalleycenter.com/http://www.thevalleycenter.com/http://www.thevalleycenter.com/http://www.thevalleycenter.com/http://www.thevalleycenter.com/http://www.thevalleycenter.com/http://www.thevalleycenter.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.wnylc.org/http://www.wnylc.org/http://www.wnylc.org/http://www.wnylc.org/http://www.buffalozoo.org/http://www.buffalozoo.org/http://www.buffalozoo.org/http://www.buffalozoo.org/http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art11835.htmlhttp://www.buffalozoo.org/http://www.wnylc.org/http://www.westvillage-buffalo.com/http://www.thevalleycenter.com/http://www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org/http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art13583.html


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Leadership Initiative: Green and Growing

CFGB Forms Green CoalitionCFGB Forms Green CoalitionCFGB Forms Green CoalitionCFGB Forms Green Coalition

In response to the October storm of 2006, in which 25,000-30,000 trees were damaged in the region, theCommunity Foundation formed a coalition to address the needs of the Greater Buffalo community in the aftermathof the tragedy.

The Green and Growing Coalition, consisting of 19 organizations representing public, private and not-for-profitsectors throughout the region, worked in partnership with CFGB to create and host an information sharing,environmental summit in May 2007. The coalition worked together to identify attainable goals for measuring andbenchmarking the impact of the summit. 153 attended on Saturday May 19, 2007 at Buffalo State College.

Summit Objectives:Summit Objectives:Summit Objectives:Summit Objectives:

Increase awareness of opportunities for greeningefforts

Increase volunteer support for greening

Increase coordination between greening efforts

The Results:The Results:The Results:The Results:

Participants were surveyed to find out why they did notdo more collaboration on environmental issues in thepast. The majority stated that they simply did not knowthe other groups existed.

57.6% of respondents said they heard of a greening initiative that was new to them.

80.6% of those who answered the survey said they intend to follow up with someone they met at the summit.

Green Volunteer Resource Guide produced and distributed

$10,000 donation was given to Re-Tree WNYfrom a CFGB donor

Green and Growing tradeshow participants.

Why It MattersWhy It MattersWhy It MattersWhy It Matters

Despite the communitys connection and interest inour natural and built assets, many local citizens arenot engaged in the care of the regions most valuabletreasures.

The Great Lakes contain 20% of the worlds total fresh

water supply. It is vital to the quality of life of morethan 40 million people 10% of Americans and 30%of Canadians.

Buffalos urban areas have the least amount of greenspace per resident in the region. Less than 1% of thecitys land use is dedicated to parks or open spaces.

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper Tree Planting
http://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/lauraf/My%20Documents/Natural%20&%20Historic%20Resources/Green%20&%20Growing/Green%20and%20Growing%20evaluation_public.ppshttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/lauraf/My%20Documents/Natural%20&%20Historic%20Resources/Green%20&%20Growing/volguidefinal.pdfhttp://www.re-treewny.org/main.htmlhttp://www.bnriverkeeper.org/http://www.bnriverkeeper.org/http://www.re-treewny.org/main.htmlhttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/lauraf/My%20Documents/Natural%20&%20Historic%20Resources/Green%20&%20Growing/volguidefinal.pdfhttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/lauraf/My%20Documents/Natural%20&%20Historic%20Resources/Green%20&%20Growing/Green%20and%20Growing%20evaluation_public.pps


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Recent CFGB Investments in Historic Architecture

Funding PrioritiesFunding PrioritiesFunding PrioritiesFunding Priorities

CFGBs funding in this area is concentrated on restoring andleveraging significant historic buildings and architecturallandmarks.

Total grants awarded inTotal grants awarded inTotal grants awarded inTotal grants awarded in historic architecturehistoric architecturehistoric architecturehistoric architecture in the 2006in the 2006in the 2006in the 2006----2007200720072007competitive grant cycles:competitive grant cycles:competitive grant cycles:competitive grant cycles: 3333 totalingtotalingtotalingtotaling $$$$60,00060,00060,00060,000....

Graycliff Conservancy, Inc.Graycliff Conservancy, Inc.Graycliff Conservancy, Inc.Graycliff Conservancy, Inc. $19,000To complete the restoration of the Lake Terrace.

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site FoundationTheodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site FoundationTheodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site FoundationTheodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation $10,000To support the effort to provide critical improvement to theWilcox Mansion and construct a new addition on the site of theproperty's former carriage house.

Corpus Christi ChurchCorpus Christi ChurchCorpus Christi ChurchCorpus Christi Church $31,000To support capital improvements to continue the use of thebuilding as the headquarters of the Parish Nurse Ministriesof New York, serving more than 3,000 people annually.

Why It MattersWhy It MattersWhy It MattersWhy It Matters

Buffalo is known for an abundance ofVictorian and early Modern architecture, aheritage from the turn of the 20th centuryprosperity. Buffalo's residents hired the best

architects in the country to design theircommercial buildings and residences.

The region has signature buildings byFrank Lloyd Wright,Louis Sullivan,H. H. Richardson, Stanford White, RichardUpjohn, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, and DanielBurnham to name a few.

The New York Times called Buffalo "atextbook for a course in modern Americanbuildings." The remaining collection ofunique historic architecture draws visitors

from around the country and world as theregion is developing as a major touristdestination of heritage and culture.

President William McKinley succumbed to hisinjuries at the John Milburn home on September14, 1901. Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Buffaloand was met at the train station by Ansley Wilcoxand brought back to this home. This site waschosen by Roosevelt as the most appropriateplace for the ceremony. Roosevelt wore formalclothing borrowed from some of the guests whowere present. Immediately following theswearing-in, Roosevelt held a brief cabinetmeeting in the library and then proceeded to themorning room to issue his first presidentialproclamation.

Construction on Corpus Christi was completed in 1909. Itwas funded at the then astronomical amount of $200,000.The church, built of red sandstone, still rises above the rooftops with its twin spires. Corpus Christi is a distinctiveskyscraper on Buffalo's East Side. During construction,the gold crosses atop the copper domes of its twin towerswere filled with hundreds of letters written by the Parish'schildren.
http://graycliff.bfn.org/http://graycliff.bfn.org/http://graycliff.bfn.org/http://graycliff.bfn.org/http://www.nps.gov/thri/http://www.nps.gov/thri/http://www.nps.gov/thri/http://www.nps.gov/thri/http://www.corpuschristionline.org/http://www.corpuschristionline.org/http://www.corpuschristionline.org/http://www.corpuschristionline.org/http://www.wrightnowinbuffalo.com/whattodo/wright_legacy.asphttp://www.buffaloah.com/a/archs/sul/biog/index.htmlhttp://preserve.bfn.org/bpr/mar86/upjohn.htmlhttp://www.buffaloah.com/a/archs/burn/index.htmlhttp://www.buffaloah.com/a/archs/burn/index.htmlhttp://www.nps.gov/thri/theodorerooseveltbio.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/thri/ansleywilcox.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/thri/theodorerooseveltbio.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/thri/ansleywilcox.htmhttp://www.buffaloah.com/a/archs/burn/index.htmlhttp://preserve.bfn.org/bpr/mar86/upjohn.htmlhttp://www.buffaloah.com/a/archs/mck/index.htmlhttp://www.buffaloah.com/a/archs/rich/rich.htmlhttp://www.buffaloah.com/a/archs/sul/biog/index.htmlhttp://www.buffaloah.com/a/sym/klein/saarinen/chron.htmlhttp://www.nps.gov/thri/http://www.corpuschristionline.org/http://www.wrightnowinbuffalo.com/whattodo/wright_legacy.asphttp://www.corpuschristionline.org/http://www.nps.gov/thri/http://graycliff.bfn.org/