St. Thomas Episcopal Church ~ Design Connect

St. Thomas Episcopal Church Final Development Plan | Spring 2022

In Partnership with

St. Thomas' Episcopal Church

1

Released May 20, 2022 Project Team: Xizi Yu, MLA Gianni Valenti, MRP Ellie Peterson, URS Emma Uzgiris, BSLA Moya Moses, URS Serena DeNicola, BSLA Andrew Wen, MPA Emma Martone, MPS Public Garden Leadership Steven Gomez Bautista, URS

Project Managers: Ashley Herrera, DEA Jonah Goldstein, MPS Public Garden Leadership

St. Thomas Team: John Bradley, Project Manager Ray Long, Site Consultant

Design Connect Board: Under the faculty supervision of Dr. Michael A. Tomlan Adam Bailey, Co-Chair Natalie Deduck, Co-Chair Amanda Bower, Vice-Chair

About Design Connect Design Connect is a multi-disciplinary, student-run, community design organization based at Cornell University. We are rooted in collaborative, democratic, and sustainable principles for the advancement of towns in upstate New York.

Formed in 2008, Design Connect provides design and planning services for local municipalities and non-profits that may not have the resources to hire professionals while offering practical experience to students.

2

Table of Contents Executive Summary Project Brief Site

4 5 6

Research and Analysis Site Analysis + Research Community Engagement

7 18

Design Proposal Design Narrative Master Plan Front Yard Bioswale Secret Garden & Back Garden

27 28 29 31 33

Maintenance Tree Maintenance Front Lawn and Secret Garden Maintenance Rain Garden Maintenance Path Maintenance

35 35 36 36

Phasing Phase 1: Shrubbery Removal Phase 2: Labyrinth Prep + Installation Phase 3: Path Prep + Installation Phase 4: Planting Beds Phase 5: Bioswale Construction Cost Estimation Funding Opportunities Appendix

37 37 38 38 39 40 41 42

3

Executive Summary The Design Connect team from Cornell University was tasked by the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bath, NY to redesign its outdoor space. Using landscaping as our main technique, the goal was to design a master plan that brings out the best of the space and its environment. The redesign of the St. Thomas grounds allows for a space in which the community can gather and share. The land is currently underutilized in terms of activity and usage.

The project started in January 2022 and finished in May 2022. Throughout the semester, the design team regularly met with the community partners whether in person or virtually over Zoom. These included a site visit and two design charrettes.

The final proposal included a design plan for both the front and back yard that incorporated the ideas generated in the initial design charrette. Later we would provide plans in a format that is detailed and technical, yet interpretable to any interested shareholders. Maintenance suggestions were included for any installed pathways or plantings.

4

Project Brief St. Thomas Episcopal church was built in 1869 and opened in 1871. Its construction was primarily funded by Judge Constant Cook, and it was designed by architect Henry Dudley. The building currently seats up to 500 people, reduced from its original capacity of 750. The Parish House was built in 1904.

The backyard of the church is used as a community garden, with 14 raised beds supplying produce for local distribution. Last year the garden grew and donated more than 1000 pounds of produce. The front yard of the church has a grass lawn, with several trees, shrubs, and a memorial garden.

The project aims to provide a design revamp to the current outdoor space. This includes turning the front yard from a simple lawn into a green asset from which the entire community can benefit. This will be a natural extension of the community garden in the rear of the church, transforming the entire site into an area of natural growth and beauty. Currently, the front yard is rarely used save for occasional events. This front yard green space redesign will signal to the community that it is a space to be used by anyone.

This design will prioritize ecological sustainability in the form of native plantings, solar lighting, and natural materials. The space was requested to be inviting and accessible, with plantings that pique interest and paved pathways that are easy to navigate. The design team will work with an awareness that the capacity for maintenance is limited.

The design will also accommodate a 25’ x 25’ labyrinth that the church had previously started plans for. Overall, the design will include suggestions for seating areas, pathways, aesthetic plantings, and functional bioswales.

5

Site The site is located at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church at 122 Liberty St, Bath, NY 14810. The church is in the center of Bath at the street intersection of Liberty St. and Washington St.

6

Site Analysis Hydrography & Topography The design team began our look into our site by researching the following categories: circulation to and within the site, history, and evolution, land use and demographics, ecology and environment, and topography, geology, and water. We delegated the research based on personal interests.

Bath is quite flat and has very few large reservoirs of water.

Circulation There is one bus stop nearby, which is a 6 min walk away.

About 3-4 thousand cars pass by the church (red dot) each day. The church is a 10 min walk from the high school (blue dot) and is easily walkable from the downtown area. There are no bike lanes.

7

Soil Analysis The soil in Bath is scio silt loam that overlies a hard sandstone bedrock. Scio silt loam is deep, well-drained soil that is dominated by silt and very fine sand. The soil is suited to trees, cultivated crops, and woodland habitats.

8

Research History and Evolution 1. Indigenous history The history and evolution group focused on three veins of history related to our site including the indigenous history, the history of the Episocpal Church, and the history of St. Thomas’s church. The land our site lies on is the traditional territory of the Seneca Tribe of the Haudenosaunee Confederation. Research of the section included baseline research on tribal history, culture, and some current whereabouts/activity.

9

2. History of the Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church is a blend of Protestantism and catholicism. Their core belief is that God loves you-no exceptions. Because of this driving principle the church is very activism oriented.

Research in this section included a more in-depth look into the church’s founding and history of activism.

3. History of St. Thomas Church Research into the church itself included the building's history and evolution with a close examination of the Parish House.

10

11

12

Land Use and Demographics 1. Zoning and Demographics The church is located in the commercial business district of Bath. The largest racial demographic by far is white, and the second-largest consists of Black residents.

Notably, the distribution of the Black population centers within the village. Bath is also relatively wealthy with an average income above the $31K United States average.

However, there is a concentration of the lowest earners in the census block that includes our site.

13

Racial Demographics of Bath Mapping- White Population

Racial Demographics of Bath Mapping- Black Population

14

2. The Opportunity Atlas The American Community Survey and Census data provides different life scenarios for children being raised and schooled within the census tract. This map below uses these data points to predict the average household income that the average child in Bath will earn at the age of 35. Through this, we can begin to ask questions about the stability of the workforce and examine other factors that may influence this, such as schooling.

Sitting at the national average with around an 86% High School graduation rate, this map takes into account all students. The statistic drops significantly to 72% when you control for only black students. Understanding these dynamics can guide our understanding of not just the town, but the potential users of our site and the systems they move through.

15

3. Other Notable Findings

The four parcels of land that are nearby nearby our site at the intersection of Liberty St. and West Washington St. are actually a park in itself, the "Park Washington." So this could be an opportunity to interface with the city and local government by actviating this location for the Church.

16

We also located the senior housing of Bath because the largest number of churchgoers in Bath are senior citizens. Blue is subsidized Senior Housing Red is Long-Term Care.

17

Community Engagement Design Charrette 1 On Saturday, February 16, we held a virtual design charrette with approximately 15 community members invited by the client. The participants ranged from regular churchgoers to leaders of local community organizations, including a leader from Youth Mentoring Southern Tier.

To prepare for the Zoom meeting, we created three activities in Google Jamboard. We then divided the participants into two breakout rooms, where two or three Cornell students facilitated each group through these three activities with screen sharing. Since many of the participants were more comfortable speaking than using Jamboard, we asked the participants to call out ideas while a student took notes in real-time on the shared screen.

As a result of this charrette, we learned several community priorities: 1. Ease of Maintenance: many community members expressed that they wanted to make sure the design did not require much staff or volunteer time dedicated to maintenance.

2. Many community members expressed interest in the design “softening” industrial-looking aspects of the church, such as the ramp area. While food production is important, they do not want it to compromise aesthetics.

3. Many community members want the main front yard area to be a space for quiet meditative activities, as well as other public events.

4. Some community members, including the leader of the youth mentoring organization, would like the space to include activities for children such as gardening.

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Survey 1 The first survey we conducted was sent out electronically after the charrette to reach those who could not make it to the charrette. The results of that survey are below: Age: 50+ Gender: ~50/50 Occupation: Retired Here are some sample responses that were received: - Provide a welcoming space for people to gather, providing a peaceful environment - Nature reserve and gardens - Overall everyone would benefit from the space but children could have a place to gather.

- Difficult ADA access - Welcoming signs into the space such as a plaque “A welcoming, spiritual, non-spiritual space would be an impressive symbol of humanity.”

Design Charrette 2 On Saturday, April 23, a hybrid in-person and zoom meeting was held to pitch and get feedback on our design ideas. Participants were able to visualize their new space by walking around outside and pointing out where exactly each element will go (in the picture on the right we are standing where the labyrinth will eventually be).

The following feedback was included:

25

1. More lighting around the labyrinth is needed near the ramped sidewalk in addition to the existing lamppost by the ramp.

2. Seating by the back garden would be useful.

3. A sign in the front yard that talks about the labyrinth and garden are wanted. This could potentially lead people to check out the back garden.

4. A pathway to the back of the church to connect the two yards.

5. The children liked the natural logs for the Secret Garden.

6. Push back the labyrinth to make room for a path of the donor bricks.

Survey 2 Following Design Charrette 2, we handed out a survey to all of the community members. This was the summary of the responses: - 100% of survey respondents see themselves spending more time in the church’s front yard with the new design.

- Community members plan to use the space for: - Prayer - Walking/Exercise - Lunch - Meditation - Enjoyed the new path and plantings idea

26

Design Proposal Design Narrative After visiting St. Thomas for the first time, it became clear to our team that this church is a really special community that has not only a deep connection with the town and village of Bath and their history, but is also a valuable institution that contributes to the greater welfare. Situated on the main street of Bath’s downtown, St. Thomas’ property is very public-facing. We were very taken by the incredible (and highly effective) food production effort of the back garden beds, where all of the produce is donated to local food pantries that benefit individuals in need. This is completely conducted by St. Thomas’ parishioners and speaks to this being a church that truly prioritizes service as part of its mission. The overwhelming majority of parishioners, and those involved in this design process with us were people of advanced age.

These dedicated parishioners are the people that take care of nearly all property and garden maintenance, which meant that we were sure to prioritize low-maintenance plantings and accessibility throughout. St. Thomas offers several other programs to its members and the greater Bath community and provides safe healing spaces for people of all ages. There was express interest by Church members to make the St. Thomas’ outdoor space more welcoming to all people, but to find a way to balance this with maintaining private and meditative moments for parishioners. We also deeply appreciated the admirable emphasis of the parish to create a design that would be environmentally conscious and carefully select plantings. All of these elements would go on to influence our design process. We noted a few key points of interest for intervention: the main entrance, the front yard, two strips of the property that would later become Bioswales A and B, and the secret garden.

27

Master Plan

The master plan takes into account sun path, drainage, circulation, soil conditions, pollinator species, and of course, aesthetics. The labyrinth is situated about 58.5 feet from the main sidewalk, creating a semi-private meditative space that is both welcoming to the public and hugged by the beautiful church walls. Plantings at the church entrance complement the iconic red door with airy blooms during the spring and bright red branching during the winter. A larger bioswale lines the south-facing church wall across from the labyrinth, taking up excess rainwater from gutters and runoff. A second smaller bioswale lies underneath the fire escape staircase along the lower south-facing wall, preventing pooling and taking up runoff from the parking lot. The secret garden is transformed into a private space filled with mossy stones and shade-loving ferns. The vegetable garden in the back remains largely untouched, with the simple incorporation of a few benches for resting during gardening.

28

Front Yard The design started with the front yard, and naturally, the centerpiece was the paved labyrinth that already had plans to be implemented. The first step was to find where this 25’ diameter piece could be best placed. Many St. Thomas members expressed that they would like to see it centered in the very front of the yard, connected to the sidewalk (west of the site). This certainly speaks to their passion for being open to anyone and all, and wanting to embrace passersby into the space. While at first, we loved this idea, it presented some challenges. We found that there is a steep grade change from the edge of the sidewalk into the Church’s front lawn, which would require an expensive fill to allow the labyrinth to exist on the same plane as the sidewalk– and this would then call for stairs or ramping to descend into the yard. We also found that despite the Church wanting to invite people into the space, the priority of the labyrinth was to be meditative, and somewhat intimate. This was the final motivation for us to experiment with different placements for the labyrinth, and to ultimately create a design for the front yard that would balance being both open to the public with more private and peaceful moments. We settled on moving the labyrinth into the northeast quadrant of the yard. Through our first design charrette, we learned that parishioners wanted to maintain open lawn space in the center of the yard, whether it be for outdoor events or just a spot for kids to run around.

They also were hoping to evoke something of a traditional “English” garden, but to prioritize low-maintenance and pollinator species with a variety of seasonal interests. With this in mind and the labyrinth in the northeast corner, we chose to establish a semi-informal path that would circulate pedestrians from the sidewalk throughout the site. We settled on a perfect oval that connects with existing sidewalks on both the West and East sides of the lawn and runs through the labyrinth. This would bring in an element of symmetry that speaks to the traditional garden, and breaks up the space into smaller areas for planting and seating.

We chose a textured and whimsical planting palette that mixes shrubbery with smaller flowers and complements existing trees. In the west of the yard, on the sidewalk side, we incorporated some tall and narrow ‘Taylor’ Junipers that would both provide screening and clarify where the central entrance into the front lawn is. At the top of the northwestern corner of the yard, there is a small existing memorial garden as well as the Church’s sign. Per the guidance of the Church, we chose to replace these plantings with our lower maintenance scheme and to ensure that we incorporated some small lamps to illuminate the memorial and sign.

A 4’x8’ path that will feature pavers with donors’ names comes off of the existing concrete path (which runs along the north edge of the front lawn) and connects to the labyrinth. This is a fundraising tool by parishioners that has helped to fund the labyrinth project. To the left and right of this small path are two symmetrical wooden benches facing inward, enveloped in fluffy and floral plantings. Here also is the only place where we include plantings on the interior of the oval path, surrounding the labyrinth and ensuring that this is the private moment that we want it to be. We added a third bench further along the oval path, in front of the existing burning bush, a fourth bench in the southeastern quadrant on the outside of the oval path

29

(facing inward), and finally te fifth bench in the southwest of the yard on the inside of the oval path and in front of the existing tree.

We introduced a narrow french drain to run along the southern edge of the front lawn to address concerns about runoff from the driveway pooling in the center of the lawn, as well as an approximately 4’ high wooden farm fence that runs the same length to establish a solid boundary that would prevent snow from being pushed onto the property in the winter. We screen this fence with a variety of medium to tall shrubs and ensure that these can withstand the wet and salty conditions of this area.

We explored the idea of adding a spiral step off of the ramp and determined that this would not be in line with ADA rules and illogically costly. Instead, we chose to suggest planting climbing vines near the ramp to mask its unappealing metal appearance.

We chose to keep the lamp post near the ramp, and additionally several small solar-powered outdoor ground lights along all of the key paths.

30

Bioswale What is a Bioswale?

Bioswales are functional channels, designed to concentrate and convey stormwater, so that debris and pollution are removed. It can also be beneficial to keep the groundwater. Bioswales are usually composed of selected plants, mulched, or xeriscapes.

Functions/Benefits 1. Increase the efficiency of concentrated water by decreasing the velocity of stormwater runoff while removing pollutants from the discharge.

2. Bioswales could be designed to be aesthetically pleasing, attracting animals to create habitats, increasing the diversity of creatures.

Application Bioswales are commonly applied alongside the streets or parking lots, where the pollution is accumulated on the pavement as cars pass by and are flushed by the first instance of rain, known as the first flush.

Bioswales are used here at St. Thomas Church, around the edges of the pavements and parking lots to capture and help stormwater runoff before it flows into the watershed or storm sewer.

Bioswale A (running along with Church in the front yard)

-

A mix of wet site plantings that evoke the same vibe as the main front yard plantings → trying to keep it fluffy and pollinator-esque These are shrubs (some flowering), lots of grasses, and a few winter interest plants

31

Bioswale B (parking lot under fire escape)

-

The plantings of the second bioswale do not extend farther since there wasn’t enough space between the wall of the church and the concrete.

In this location, at least 3 gutters emptying, so having a system of water location here is beneficial Grasses were chosen because there are low windows located along the church wall and we didn’t want to obscure light coming from outside.

32

Secret Garden & Back Garden

Plants behind a stone wall: Large ferns and lady ferns

The small Secret Garden tucked between the walls of the Church in the backyard was a quaint spot that was added as part of the backyard planning. It was noted that there seemed to once be some raised beds along the walls created out of pieces of flagstone. Our design intervention here is fairly minimal. We propose cleaning up the

33

pieces of stone from the central walkway and spraying some of them with moss. Where there is the soil we suggest seeding a patchwork of groundcover, and planting shade and cool plants in the raised beds where space allows. The singular stone bench preserves the privacy of the space.

This space was designed to be used in a variety of ways. The semi-circular rock wall around the bench was designed so that children's groups, or other groups, can use the outdoor space for gathering. The upright logs in the bottom left corner were also designed for kids to play on. It can also be used as a secondary reflection and meditation spot, one more secluded than the labyrinth.

Because this area is currently filled with lots of stones, we decided to incorporate them into the design so that implementation will be easier. Those rocks will make up the rock wall and the planters behind it, and the rest can be used as the flooring along with moss.

We imagine a living vine arch leading to the space instead of the chain-link fence that is currently at the entrance.

Just outside the secret garden is the community garden, which currently has no formal seating. We recommend adding benches against the church walls that can be used for many purposes. For example, moveable tables can be set up in front of the benches for bigger gatherings.

34

Maintenance Tree Maintenance -

The existing trees are mostly self-maintaining. However, the existing lilac tree and the proposed additional lilac should be pruned annually, immediately after they’re done flowering, to prevent disease and ensure vigorous flowering in the Spring.

Front Lawn and Secret Garden Maintenance -

-

-

The front lawn is the highest-maintenance part of the landscape with labor mainly centered on pruning, weeding, and mowing.

Prune old wood hydrangea buds during early fall to encourage new flower buds and prune new wood stems in late Winter/early Spring to encourage new stem growth.

For a male Ilex Glabra (inkberry), prune just after flowering, during mid-to-late spring.

Catmint can be deadheaded in midsummer to prolong blooms and pruned in late winter/early spring to allow for new bloom growth.

Lady’s Mantle generally grows pretty vigorously and should be cut back in midsummer and early Spring.

Hostas should be pruned in late fall to prevent freezing in Sinter and allow for new growth in Spring Trim dead fronds off ferns as they emerge and in early Spring to allow for new growth. Fronds can also be cut all the way back to the stem “fist” if the fern shape is undesired.

Groundcovers including periwinkle, wild ginger, and lilyturf can be mown or sheared to about 4 inches tall in early Spring to allow for new growth.

Primroses located in the secret garden can be pruned in late Fall to promote blooms in Spring, but pruning is not strictly necessary.

Moss enjoys shade and moisture, so once established it should be self-maintaining in the Secret Garden conditions. During extensive drought periods, misting or light watering may be considered for optimal growth.

35

Rain Garden Maintenance -

The bioswale is fairly low-maintenance, with basic landscaping practices necessary on a semi-regular basis.

The swale should be regularly inspected for signs of erosion, obstructions, or unhealthy vegetation.

Weeds, invasive plants, large quantities of fallen leaves, and trash should also be removed as needed.

Cut back dead stems of herbaceous plants in March and water new plants during the initial establishment of plant growth (first 18 months) and droughts.

Watering should only be needed when it has not rained for more than 10 days.

Path Maintenance -

Once landscape fabric has been placed and the gravel path has been laid, maintenance is fairly low.

The path should be raked after heavy storms and if it becomes uneven.

Monthly weeding may also be necessary, but if abundant weeds breakthrough, consider re-applying landscape fabric and a new layer of gravel.

Additional gravel may also be added every few years to maintain a full, clear path.

Phasing + Site Assembly 36

Phases 2-5 can occur simultaneously (i.e. soil removal and turning can be one step where all soil removed is turned together and used for proposed planting beds)

Phase 1: Shrubbery Removal -

-

-

-

First, consider calling the national call-before-you-dig number, 811 to request the approximate location of buried utilities be marked out, to avoid unintentionally digging into an underground utility line Gather necessary protective gear examples include: eye protection, work gloves, long pants and sleeves, protective boots Use bypass loppers or a handsaw to cut away smaller branches, starting with the outer branches and working your way in, a chainsaw could be required if branches are thick enough.

Using a pointed shovel dig around the base of the shrub, until you expose the roots of the plant Slice through all the root branches using either a handsaw, chainsaw, or garden mattock, depending on the thickness of the root Remove the stump by digging a shovel underneath it and lifting it out. If you have someone with you, they can help by grabbing the stems on top of the stump to help pull it out.

Recycle the branches and stump

Phase 2: Labyrinth Prep+Installation -

-

-

Measure and map out 4’x8’ path off paved entrance walkway + circular labyrinth area Dig 6”-8” of soil out (depth varies depending on paver size) Compact remaining dirt with a hand tamper or soil compactor (can be rented from a hardware store) Lay and compact gravel/crushed stone base - Cover the area with ~2”-3” of crushed stone, wet layer, and run the compactor over area.

- Repeat until you reach a depth of 6” Lay 1” of leveling sand over the area - (to get an even 1” depth, place 1” diameter PVC pipes across the compacted stone and fill until the sand reaches the top of the pipe) Use a 2”x4” or another flat leveling tool to smooth the surface - (if using the PVC pipe method: remove pipes, fill gaps, and level again) Follow Labyrinth kit design in laying pattern of pavers - Consistently measure the level of pavers to ensure an even surface 37

-

-

-

Adjust pavers as necessary by adding sand underneath and/or taping them down with a rubber mallet.

Install galvanized steel edging along the perimeter of Labyrinth, spacing supporting spikes one foot apart.

- Use a wooden block and hammer to tap the edging into the soil - (Follow manufacturer's instructions for joining pieces of edging) Lay one final layer of Polymeric jointing sand on top/between the paver, sweeping the grains between the pavers and settling the sand with a hand tamper.

Phase 3: Path Prep+Installation -

-

-

Measure 4’ width, oval-shaped path and mark with flags and spray paint Dig ~4” of soil from the area Compact remaining dirt with a hand damper or soil compactor (same as prior) Add crushed stone to a ~2 ½” depth - Wet the crushed stone lightly and compact it with a hand tamper Cover compacted crushed stone with landscaping fabric - To account for the curvature of the path, make relief cuts along the edges as needed (this keeps the fabric from bunching and helps maintain a curved shape) Install galvanized steel edging along both edges of the path - Use a wooden block and hammer to tap the edging into the soil - (Follow manufacturer's instructions for joining pieces of edging) - (should not need to reinforce edging with supporting spikes) Fill the path with desired gravel until it is ~½” shy of the top of the edging and rake until no fabric shows.

Phase 4: Bioswale Construction -

Measure distance from Church walls outward 3’-4’ and lengthwise to the desired extent Remove grass layer of soil Dig ~2’-2.5’ into the soil - The lowest should be at the midpoint, leaving a flat bottom of 1’ width and sloping side upward to yard level - The shape should resemble the letter “V” with a flattened bottom like this = \_/ - Refer to drawing for more detail on the shape of the ditch

38

-

-

-

Break up large clumps and remove any rocks or roots - Place the turned toil to the side Use a level to even out the lowest point of the trough-like bed - This ensures that the water will evenly distribute and filter through the swale Fill the base of the ditch with 6”-8” of structural soil - This is a loose, strong soil with large particles that helps carry the weight of the plants on top while allowing for better filtration Layer amendments (compost/organic matter) Layer 6”-8” of the turned soil from earlier and turn the soil again.

- Use leftover soil for other planting beds When planting specimens, dig a hole 2x the size of the root bulb Monitor pooling and runoff from bioswale to ensure correct drainage

Phase 5: Planting Beds Preparation -

-

-

No need to measure any space, all new planting areas are bound by existing concrete sidewalks, new gravel paths, or the stone labyrinth.

Remove the grass layer on top of the soil to a depth of ~2” Dig ~8” into the soil, breaking up large clumps and removing any rocks or roots - If this layer is compacted, dig another ~8”-10” and turn the soil again - When turning soil you want it to be damp, not wet Leave turned soil next to the bed Layer amendments (compost/organic matter) along the bottom of the bed and turn soil again - Try to avoid extremely fine compost, you want something with large chunks.

Fill the bed with previously removed topsoil Spread amendments over the bed and turn once again - To combat weeds, cover topsoil with mulch Rake and smooth surface When planting specimens, dig a hole 2x the size of the root bulb Apply compost/amendments on top of planted area

39

Construction Cost Estimation Fauna: -

-

-

Local businesses that could source plants from[1][2] Hydrangea $19.98[1][2] available at local nursery[1] Inkberry $15.99 - $19.99[1] or $34.20[1] Catmint $24.98[1] or $29.98[1] Lady’s Mantle $8.98[1] Hostas $24.98[1] available at local nursery[1] Periwinkle $22.98[1][2] Wild Ginger ???

Lily Turf $97.99 - $99.99[1] Primrose $4.98 - $10.98[1][2][3] Ferns - Large Ferns $19.78[1] - Lady Ferns $22.98[1] Moss $4.97[1] Taylor Junipers ???

Furnishings: -

Benches Log Stumps Living Vine Arch

Materials: -

-

Sand, gravel, dirt, and topsoil can all be sourced from the local business Knight Settlement Sand and Gravel, LLC[1] their price list is to the right.

Path - Landscape fabric $36.99[1] - Hand tamper/soil compactor $7/4-hours, 10$/day, 40$/week[1] - Compact gravel/crushed stone base [view price listing above] - Leveling sand [view price listing above] - Pavers $.68/brick[1][2] - Galvanized steel edging $16.98[1] - Polymeric joint sand $22.98[1] - Flags $5.48[1] - Spray paint $1.98[1] Bioswale and planting beds - Structural soil [view price listing above] - Amendments (compost/organic matter) [view price listing above] - Mulch $3.88[1]

40

Funding Opportunities Our proposed design will help create a more welcoming environment for the church to offer its many community programs. However, the church currently receives funding from its governing body only every other year. Without fundraising support, the church’s youth services and food production programs could risk running out of money.

To help fund these programs and ensure that our designed space will be used to its maximum potential, our team also offered preliminary prospect research and grant-writing advice to the church’s staff and volunteers.

Initial prospect research was done in several steps. First, we held a meeting with the church’s programmatic staff to understand their funding needs and amounts. From this meeting, we understood that the church was primarily looking for $2,000 - $5,000 grants with minimal reporting requirements because any grant will have to be administered by volunteers. Next, we used Foundation Center, an online foundation database, to identify grant-makers interested in youth or food-related initiatives around the Steuben County area. We then researched these foundations’ grant-making priorities and amounts through their website, 990 tax forms, and prior giving history.

Finally, we created a list of possible grant-makers that could be a good fit for the church, instructions on how to apply for each grant, deadlines, and notes on the foundation’s priorities. This list was presented to the church’s staff and volunteers during our final Design Charrette, where we also had a conversation about how to frame their initial call or letter of interest.

41

Appendix Prospect Research for St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church Funding Areas: Food Production or Youth Services Organization: Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning Recommended Ask: $1,000 - $5,000 Deadline: Rolling Link: https://communityfund.org/grants-and-applications/ Notes: There are multiple small grant opportunities with different guidelines and requirements.

The website has more information on each. The “Min-Grants” section is particularly promising.

Organization: The Triangle Fund Recommended Ask: $5,000 - $15,000 Deadline: April 29, 2022.

Link: http://trianglefund.org/apply/ Notes: Deadline may be too tight for this year, but you can ask to be put on their mailing list for future Request For Proposals by following the directions in the link. Could be a good resource to have when you have a gap in funding in future years.

Organization: M&T Bank Recommended Ask: $2,000 Deadline: Rolling Link: https://www3.mtb.com/about-mt/charitable-contributions Notes: The grant is best for human services such as youth activities. You can apply in the online application, but it might be best to first give your local company representative a call to talk your idea through. Their number is found here: https://www3.mtb.com/homepage/about-us/getting-involved/charitable-contributions/corpora te-charitable-contributions-contacts

Organization: J.R. Morris Charitable Foundation, Inc. Recommended Ask: $2,000 Deadline: Rolling

42

Link: No website. Address & Number: Jeffrey R Morris, 154 North Glenora Road, Dundee, NY 148378817, (607) 243­8383 Notes: Mr. Morris’ foundation primarily gives small scholarships to youths in Steuben County. I think it’s worth giving him a call to understand what opportunities are available for organizations such as yours that serve youths. Last year, they gave to 42 organizations serving youths, so the possibility is definitely there.

Organization: The Hilliard Foundation Recommended Ask: $3,000 Deadline: Rolling Link: No website. Address: JAN VAN DEN BLINK 100 WEST FOURTH ST. ELMIRA, NY 14901 Notes: This foundation does not advertise giving guidelines, but regularly gives to community needs in the Bath area, mostly in Elmira. The accept applications by Letter. Could be worth sending in a short letter asking if you are eligible with a short description of your programs.

Organization: The Anderson Foundation Inc. Recommended Ask: $5,000 Deadline: Rolling Link: No website. Address: JANE JORALEMON, PRESIDENT. ANDERSON FOUNDATION, C/O PO BOX 1522, ELMIRA,N Y 14902, (607) 734­2271 Notes: This foundation says that they only give to Chemchung County, but has given many grants to Corning. It might be worth a call with them to ask about possible funding in Steuben County; if you are not eligible, it might also be a good connection to ask about possible other funding sources.

43