The Greater Hartford Green Team was formed in 2004 to bring together people from Hartford and its suburbs to make Hartford more beautiful. Every month 25 - 50 volunteers gather on a Saturday morning at a city park or in one of Hartford's neighborhoods to clean up the site and plant shrubs, trees and flowers. In the course of working together the volunteers get acquainted with one another, breaking down stereotypes, building bridges of understanding and respect. With good food and live music it's a great experience that helps promote a regional spirit and vision for the Capital Region.

The Green Team is spearheaded by the Citizens Network in collaboration with Knox Parks Foundation, the Greater Hartford Arts Council and Leadership Greater Hartford. Funding is provided by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and the Lincoln Financial Group.

During the 2006 season, the Green Team transplanted 4000 seedlings, weeded and mulched several flowerbeds, planted 23 trees on Westbourne Parkway and 10 trees at various downtown locations, participated in the construction of a gazebo at the Watkinson community garden, assisted with the Pope Park master plan improvements, graffiti removal and tree maintenance. 200 volunteers participated in these activities.

2007 Green Team Events: March 17th, April 14th, May 19th, June 9th, July 14th, August 11, September 15th and October 13th. On March 17th, help transplant 2,500 seedlings in the 70 degree Knox Parks greenhouse, 75 Laurel Street, Hartford, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Share lunch with other volunteers from Hartford and its suburbs, listen to live music, build bridges of understanding and plant the seeds that will make Hartford beautiful in the spring.  For more information, contact Charmaine Craig, charmainec@knoxparks.org or (860) 951-7694.