We believe in the power of transformation. What was once an overlooked corner of the neighborhood, an empty lot, a patch of overgrown grass, a space people pass by without a second thought, can become something extraordinary: a thriving green space that connects people, pollinators, and place.

Vacant lots often carry the quiet burden of potential: lost opportunities, underused ground, and weathering. In East Canfield Village, several vacant lots had become illegal dumping sites, filled with debris and signs of neglect. Yet even in those conditions, the potential for renewal remained. When we reclaim and restore these spaces, they become more than “unused land.” They become:

• A place to connect with nature in our urban or suburban communities.
• A habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• A gathering point for neighbors, volunteers, and community events.
• A visible sign of care, investment, and vitality in our collective surroundings.

Green spaces are not just “nice to have.” They are essential for healthy, resilient communities.

For Kim Theus, reclaiming these spaces is about more than beautification. It is about air quality, peace, reclamation, and art—the essentials of a healthy, inspired community. Each time a vacant lot becomes a shared green space, it represents the reclamation of more than just land; it restores the air we breathe, the calm we seek, and the creativity that reminds us what it means to belong.

As we look ahead to 2026, Canfield Consortium is continuing its work to transform neglected land into collective green spaces that support both people and the environment. Our upcoming projects with Creating Habitats for Pollinators and Brewer Park will build on this vision, turning underused spaces into living habitats that nurture butterflies, bees, and other pollinators while giving residents a place to reflect, connect, and breathe.

These new spaces will also serve as open canvases for community expression. Just as art has shaped the story of East Canfield Village, it will continue to guide how we design and experience future green spaces. Murals, sculptures, and creative installations invite conversation and remind us that beauty and function can coexist.

Creating spaces like these takes hands, time, and heart… and that’s where you come in! When you volunteer to help prepare sites, plant pollinator-friendly gardens, and care for them as they grow, you help bring our shared vision to life. As Rhonda Theus reflects, this work reminds us that care, community, and creativity can redefine what’s possible.

Click here to join our volunteer list.

To learn more about Creating Habitats for Pollinators, visit creatinghabitats.org.