If your library, school, church, park group or civic association has been eyeing an empty patch of ground, here's a way to turn it into a native garden, without having to raise the money for plants yourself.
ReWild Long Island has opened applications for its 2027 Community Gardens Program. It's a two-year partnership that helps local volunteer groups build public gardens centered on native plants. The program doesn't hand out cash. Instead, ReWild brings what most community groups find hardest to pull together on their own:
Professional garden design and installation consulting
Native plants, irrigation materials and custom signage
Expert guidance on maintenance and weeding
Help building local engagement and community support
The goal is bigger than any single garden: improving biodiversity, resilience and ecosystem health across the region, one public patch at a time. ReWild says its program has helped establish more than 70 native plant garden locations as of 2026.
Who Should Apply
ReWild is looking for community groups that have:
At least three committed garden volunteers
Permission to use and maintain the site, plus proof of insurance
Reliable access to water
The capacity for weekly maintenance during the growing season for two years
A willingness to host at least two public educational events
A commitment to two post-installation visits with ReWild, one per year
Key Dates
Informational webinar: Wednesday, October 28, 6:00–7:00pm, online. It's a good way to ask questions before you apply.
Interviews: Begin in November for eligible applicants.
Deadline: December 15, 2026. Admission is rolling and early applicants get higher consideration, so don't wait.
The program is supported by funders including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the New York Community Trust, the Long Island Sound Study, the New York Pollinator Conservation Fund and New York State. Questions go to the gardens team at [email protected].
Want to dig in before you commit? Find a ReWild volunteer day near you on PPN, browse Long Island volunteer opportunities, explore environment and conservation events, or register for the October 28 info webinar.
Source: ReWild Long Island Community Gardens Program; ReWild Long Island newsletter (October 22, 2026).
