Christina’s collaboration with the Heartland Conservation Alliance (HCA) began in the organizational formation conversations for KC Native Plant Initiative. This young environmental conservation non-profit runs programs that connect people to nature and environmental restoration processes. In 2018, HCA contracted Hoxie Collective to provide technical assistance to the first four Vacant to Vibrant grantees from the Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI). This program utilizes informational resources created by the Green Spaces and Urban Farms Action Group, inspired by the Detroit Future Cities Working with Lots Guide. The Vacant to Vibrant Guide and Templates provide planning and design guidance for a variety of uses on vacant lots that provide environmental and community benefits. Each of the first four grantees put their funds to use in different ways. One created a food forest in a well-established community garden conservancy. Another created pollinator gardens that are a part of her K-12 educational programming. A third team cleared and prepared a lot for local youth to plant an orchard and rain garden. And finally, the fourth grantee beautified her lot to be used as a community gathering place.

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