Resilient Seedlings Thrive Amidst Brooklyn's Pollution

As of November 15, 2025, a unique nursery of native plants is thriving in one of the most polluted corners of Brooklyn, New York. Located under the Kosciuszko Bridge, the nursery is supplying thousands of seedlings to local parks and community gardens, helping to revitalize the neighborhood's connection with nature.

The nursery, founded three years ago by the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, is growing dozens of species of native New York plants, collected from seed by the organization's partners in the Parks Department. Despite the surrounding environmental challenges, including two federal and one state Superfund sites, the nursery is demonstrating remarkable resilience.

"Native plants are like the quintessential New Yorkers," says Rebecca Louie, executive director of The Bee Conservancy. "They are built to thrive in our ecosystem and are helping to build the city's resiliency." The plants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also help mitigate the heat island effect and absorb excess water, making them crucial for the neighborhood's environmental well-being.

Despite the obstacles, the nursery is on track to distribute close to 10,000 native plants this year, all free of charge to parks and community gardens across the city. The work is a testament to the dedication and vision of the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, who are determined to bring nature's healing power to one of the most polluted areas of the city.