TurnaroundFriends.org

What we’ve done so far - Tons of debris was removed and more than 900 cubic yards of healthy topsoil was added during intervals of grading work.  Grass seed, fertilizer, lime, mulch and other conditioners and nutrients were added to the soil as a basis for the new lawn field and grove. Daffodil bulbs totaling about 4,000 were planted and a temporary fence was installed. 

What it was – Prior to intervention by TFI, the 5-acre parkland was degraded and used for dumping and other illegal activities. The section where the Living Memorial is now in progress was previously blighted with abandoned burnt-out cars and more refuse.  The financial and other assistance from the USDA Forest Service made it possible for TFI to restore much of the natural appeal to the memorial site…..this development enabled TFI to plan and proceed with its conception of the memorial to honor the memory of those lost on 9/11.

38 trees (3” to 3.5” DBH*) of similar size and maturity were planted in the year 2003.  TFI’s volunteers and those providing services in the form of in-kind work have been busy during this initial stage, and their performance is depicted in the photos and by the improvements and physical changes.  

* Diameter at breast height

The majority of activity and attention has and will continue to be directed to the Grove of Healing, which is within the five-acre Seaside Nature Park.  TFI’s design plan for the year 2004 includes increasing the number of trees at the memorial site to 100 and to incorporate an automated irrigation system. In addition permanent protective fencing will be installed around the perimeter.