The EcoShed Initiative
by Marcus Gelman
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Project Description
Our project focused on building a tool shed for the dedicated volunteers working to restoring the Lower Burke Estate wetland, which have become overrun with invasive weeds after decades of neglect. We designed this shed to support the ongoing restoration work by providing a central, organized space for tools and equipment. Our motivation came from two main sources. First, we’ve always loved spending time outdoors, whether hanging out or playing soccer at the Burke Estate, and we wanted to contribute to the preservation and improvement of another natural space in our community. Second, after working on a YCAF grant last year to build a wildflower garden at Zinsser Gardens, we discovered how rewarding it is to take on a hands-on environmental project that makes a real, visible difference. This experience inspired us to continue making a positive impact on local green spaces, and building the tool shed felt like a meaningful next step toward that goal.
Students Involved
Project Leaders (3): Marcus Gelman, Will Andrus, Gabriel Nacht
Total Project participants excluding leaders: 2
Total Project participants excluding leaders: 1
Outputs
Outputs
50+ tools stored
30+ concrete pavers and over 3.5 cubic yards of crushed stone used for the shed base
Over 10,000 pounds of materials were used for the project.
Outcomes
Outcomes
As a result of the EcoShed Initiative, project lead Don Erwin and other volunteers will have a more effective work environment where tools can be easily accessed. Until the Shed, managing work tools was an onerous undertaking.
Lessons Learned
Working with peers and mentors to create a cohesive project that will serve the community for years to come.
Time management, from creating our project to delivering the associated deliverables.
Planning steps with care to minimize redos and material waste.
Process
Process
Worked with our project adviser to find a suitable space for the shed foundation
Teraformed the foundation area and built the foundation by laying wooden ties, nailing the wood together, laying a weed-blocking fabric, filling it with eco-friendly blue crushed stone, and then laying the pavers on top to form the base of the shed.
Took delivery of the shed and constructed it on top of the foundation pavers
Created and built inner-shed storage, including shelves, racks, and bins
Placed tools and materials in the shed for safekeeping and future usage
Bought additional needed tools
Hilly area before the shed
Terraforming the space for the shed foundation
Building the retaining walls
Laying out the weed tarp for the shed foundation
Shoveling and laying out gravel for the shed foundation
Laying the pavers for the shed base
Don Erwin with his scythe and a visit from his daughter Avery, sitting in front of the shed
Thank You's
Thank You's
We were fortunate to have been mentored and guided through every step of the process, from determining where to build the shed to sourcing the materials and learning how to construct it, by an architect, Don Erwin.
At times, communication can be unclear and difficult to navigate, but Mayor Niki Armacost helped us through all channels of communication, including finding Don.
The student YCAF rep for Hastings High School, Jack Maney, was extremely helpful in answering the questions we had about the financial process of the grant.
While we had three students officially working on the project, Jalen Bitterman helped us in many of the labor-intensive parts, such as shoveling gravel for the shed base.
Thanks to funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, without which this project would not have been possible.
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