The project seeks to positively impact vulnerable groups in different ways. Employment will be created for persons in financial need, women, youth, and the disabled. Youth with little or no interest in agriculture, environmental preservation, and conservation will have opportunities to gain first-hand knowledge through their direct involvement. The elderly and persons with low health will have improved overall nutrition and nutrient availability as the influx of affordable fresh fruits and vegetables will extend their life span. It is also in our intention to develop an apiary of twenty-five (25) colonies with special emphasis on the youth for training in this area, increasing skill pool and economic well-being. The project stands in the perfect position to revive many aspects of the overall community. Finally, the influx in fresh food products will allow for our long-anticipated community farmers? market.

With COVID-19 restrictions lifting gradually, there is an increased drive in

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the population for growth and development. If not addressed, naturally, the decline of the watershed would continue. Farmers will endure the struggles of sourcing seedlings and accessing high-quality planting material. Some of the fruit trees we hope to establish will restock the lost population (Guavas, Local apples, Grapefruits, tangerine, and other citrus) from our area. Our project will help with climate change mitigation and improvement of the canopy in the watershed. Also, we know there will be improved air quality.

The expected results include:
? Hectares of Land Sustainably Impacted ? through the establishment of a nursery for distribution of plant seedlings to farmers and supporting apiary to increase pollination of wild flora and agricultural crops.
? Improved Livelihoods Opportunities ? through the creation of jobs for community members over time, increase in the overall socio-economic status of the community as other income-generating activities are created directly (farmer?s market, production of value-added products by farmers group). A Pollen Timing Monitoring system will also be established among community members to estimate annual pollen availability for honeybees.

? Increased Awareness of Environmental Protection ? through the production of printed and electronic public education materials and information sharing. Scheduling of tours to include interested community persons not directly involved in the project, students from schools, and youth groups outside of the community. The success of the project will show how a nursery can serve as a catalyst for an improved overall natural environment in areas of watershed restoration, air quality improvement, habitat, and biodiversity restoration.

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