Sandra Albro

Sandra Albro, research associate at Holden Forests & Gardens, investigates how improving soil and plants can boost the ecological and social value of vacant lots in Great Lakes cities. She is project manager for two projects that test low-cost, low-maintenance urban greening projects that manage stormwater and revitalize communities in Gary, IN; Cleveland, OH; and Buffalo, NY. Ms. Albro also serves as co-chair for the Cleveland Tree Coalition, a group of more than 40 businesses, organizations, and branches of local government that are working together to implement the Cleveland Tree Plan; and is a board member on the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership.

Vacant to Vibrant

Creating Successful Green Infrastructure Networks

Vacant lots, so often seen as neighborhood blight, have the potential to be a key element of community revitalization. As manufacturing cities reinvent themselves after decades of lost jobs and population, abundant vacant land resources and interest in green infrastructure are expanding opportunities for community and environmental resilience.