Neighborhood Horticulture, Tree Care & Mutual-Aid Resources
Friends of Roy Wilkins Park, Inc. thrives on grassroots neighbor-to-neighbor learning. Below is our curated directory of independent nonprofit horticulture guides, native tree canopy references, zero-litter picnic ethics, and public charity transparency records used by our St. Albans, South Jamaica, and Rochdale Village volunteers.
Arbor Day Foundation — Community Tree Care & Mulching Standards
Practical field guides on the 3-3-3 mulching rule (3 inches of natural woodchips in a 3-foot ring while keeping 3 inches clear of the trunk flare) that our Saturday horticulture volunteers apply along Merrick Boulevard and Baisley Boulevard.
External Nonprofit Reference: https://www.arborday.org/trees/tips/
Brooklyn Botanic Garden — Native Plants of the New York Metropolitan Region
Botanical reference profiles for Long Island and Queens native oaks, red maples, dogwoods, and pollinator perennials suited to sandy coastal plain soils in Southeast Queens.
External Nonprofit Reference: https://www.bbg.org/gardening/handbooks
National Audubon Society — Native Plants for Neighborhood Songbirds
Helps resident volunteers choose berry-producing shrubs and nectar perennials that support migratory warblers, robins, and pollinators resting in Roy Wilkins Park's 54-acre woodland canopy.
External Nonprofit Reference: https://www.audubon.org/native-plants
Leave No Trace — Backyard & Neighborhood Picnic Meadow Principles
Simple, family-friendly guidelines for Carry-In, Carry-Out family cookouts, protecting tree roots from hot charcoal pans, separating beverage containers for recycling, and leaving picnic tables clean for the next neighbor.
External Nonprofit Reference: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
Institute for Local Self-Reliance — Community Composting & Leaf Mold Guide
Step-by-step instructions used by our volunteer grounds crew to turn autumn fallen leaves and clean plant trimmings into nutrient-rich humus for perennial borders.
External Nonprofit Reference: https://ilsr.org/composting/
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer — IRS BMF & Form 990 Ledger (EIN 20-1398389)
Independent nonprofit public database hosting public Form 990-N / 990-EZ and IRS Business Master File records for FRIENDS OF ROY WILKINS PARK INC / Friends of Roy Wilkins Park, Inc. (EIN 20-1398389), confirming our all-volunteer officer roster (In Care Of Yvonne D. Richardson; President Mary Ramsuer) and P.O. Box 341042, Jamaica, NY 11434-7042 mailing registry.
Public Charity Record: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/201398389 | View Local Verified 990 Ledger Summary »
Neighbor-to-Neighbor Field Checklist for Weekend Park Stewards
| Stewardship Zone | Recommended Neighbor Practice | Volunteer Crew Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Perimeter Tree Rings Merrick & Baisley Blvds |
Hand-pull bindweed within 3 feet of trunks; apply 2–3 inches of natural wood mulch without piling against bark. | Yvonne D. Richardson (917) 863-7356 |
| Family Picnic Meadows Central & Southeast Lawns |
Share extra heavy-duty trash & recycling bags with picnic families; keep hot grills off tree roots and wooden benches. | William Gordan & Dorlita Bullock (917) 863-7356 |
| First-Monday Circle 177-01 Baisley Blvd |
Bring block-association notes and seasonal tool requests on the first Monday of each month (10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon). | Yvonne D. Richardson & Mary Ramsuer (917) 863-7356 |
