2020 Virtual Tour de Elizabeth
To ensure the safety of our valued community members during this unprecedented time, the 17th Annual Tour de Elizabeth was postponed. However, we took the opportunity to do something special.
On Sunday, May 17, Groundwork Elizabeth presented a virtual 17-mile guided tour with lifelong Elizabeth residents. We hope you’ll look us up on our Facebook page for more information on this unique view of our city that began with our scenic parks and waterfront, guided you through tree-lined residences and bustling businesses and concluded in Elizabeth’s historic downtown.
Climate Safe Elizabeth
Climate change is affecting all of us. It is making our city hotter and wetter than ever but there are ways to cool and dry our neighborhoods using green infrastructure. We want to hear from you about how you’ve experienced heat and flooding and what the city should do about it.
The Climate Safe Neighborhoods Task Force will take the results of this survey to the City and discuss how they can help to cool and dry our community.
Civic Spring: Giving Youth a Voice
Groundwork Elizabeth was one of only 6 organizations spread across the US to be awarded a CIVIC SPRING grant by the Institute for Citizens and Scholars, to fund a program to give our Youth a voice in decisions which are made in our community. Partners included the City of Elizabeth, Mayor Chris Bollwage, Union County, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth, Lifelong Elizabeth, Gateway Family YMCA, Harbor Consultants, the Board of Education for Elizabeth Public Schools and Shaping Elizabeth.

Featured Programs
Sustainable Agriculture
The Come Grow With Us! initiative strives to increase access to sustainably grown foods and provide accompanying education in order to build sustainable and equitable communities.
Youth Programming
Our Green Team are young stewards learning, working, and teaching about the environment. Their first-hand experiences make our neighborhoods a healthier and livable space.
Urban Waters & Trails
We work to improve our urban streams, rivers, and estuaries. Groundwork has been working with the City, the County and the community to expand and upkeep the 2.5 mile Elizabeth River Trail.
Green Careers
Working with local residents Groundwork Elizabeth plans and implements high-impact brownfield transformation and land-reuse projects, transforming environmental liabilities into community assets.
Recent News
Advocating for a Climate Safe Elizabeth
Groundwork Elizabeth is launching a Climate Safe Elizabeth Task Force to bring the community together to learn about the effects of climate change, specifically flooding and heat islands.
Transforming Brownfields in Union County
The Department of Environmental Protection is working with Groundwork Elizabeth and communities in Union County to transform brownfields and underused properties into healthier, sustainable areas through an initiative focused on environmental stewardship efforts.
Elizabeth MicroFarm
Newly opened! The Groundwork Elizabeth MicroFarm, located behind the Elmora Branch Library, serves as an educational resource providing service-based learning opportunities for the surrounding community.
NJDEP More P.E.A.S. Initiative
NJDEP serves the City of Elizabeth for the 5th time. Over 75 NJDEP employees volunteered for this years Earth Day Event building 130 raised beds, doing slight vegetation control and other garden landscaping projects at our new MicroFarm at the Elmora Branch Library.
Union County Means Green goes Hydroponic
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present the 2018 Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program.
Peterstown Outdoor Demonstration Center
“The site was built to educate and engage the community in conservation activities, such as raised beds for growing herbs and vegetables, rain barrels, pollinator beds and subjects related to horticulture and urban wildlife.” – courtesy of TapintoElizabeth.
The Come Grow With Us! initiative strives to increase access to sustainably grown foods and provide accompanying education in order to build sustainable and equitable communities.

Our Green Team are young stewards learning, working, and teaching about the environment. Their first-hand experiences make our neighborhoods a healthier and livable space.

We work to improve our urban streams, rivers, and estuaries. Groundwork has been working with the City, the County and the community to expand and upkeep the 2.5 mile Elizabeth River Trail.
Support the Groundwork MicroFarm!
Groundwork MicroFarm sponsorship opportunities are currently available. Show your support for urban learning gardens and help provide accompanying education to create a sustainable and equitable community.
Green Careers
