Community Outreach Group for Landscape Design (COGdesign)

MISSION To provide pro bono landscape design services and to act as a catalyst for installation and ongoing maintenance of beautiful, safe, and useful public green spaces in under-served communities. To connect these communities with additional resources for successful landscape development and management. DESCRIPTION COGdesign is a volunteer driven nonprofit. With the exception of a part-time ED, and several independent support consultants (web, financial), they rely on the dedication and good will of a large pool of professional and student landscape designers willing to contribute time and talent to the transformation of derelict spaces into healthy, attractive community assets. Clients include public schools, low income housing, nonprofits, historical site, places of worship, community gardens and community service organizations. IMPACT Since incorporation in 1997, COGdesign has provided pro bono design services for about 80 community projects. About half of those have resulted in new or improved green spaces in Greater Boston communities. All of their clients are challenged by other life issues including physical limitations, mental and health disabilities. In many cases, COGdesign's design service becomes the springboard for the community client to leverage funding, volunteers and other resources.