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MEERGroen: Learning in and about nature at the Stichting

Haarlemmermeer is incredibly green: it boasts beautiful parks, forests, and meadows. But who ensures its beauty remains so beautiful? Much of this is thanks to the MEERGroen Foundation. This foundation organizes various projects to enhance Haarlemmermeer's ecological value. And you can help! Curious how? Then read on! 
Image of vegetables in containers Source: MEERgroen Foundation

About the MEERGroen Foundation

The MEERGroen Foundation is a volunteer organization established in 2014 and organizes a variety of projects. They plant orchards, flower meadows, and community gardens. They organize educational field days for businesses and schools, manage urban forests and neglected areas, and save saplings.MoretreesNowFrom November through the end of March, they harvest saplings and give them away for free. With this "MoreTreesNow" campaign, they've already saved 2,7 million trees in the Netherlands, about 20% of which come from Haarlemmermeer! The foundation also uses recycled materials to build insect hotels, bat houses, and birdhouses. In short, the MEERGroen Foundation is actively committed to both climate and biodiversity!  

A place for the neighborhood  

Curious about what it's like in practice? Then come visit the Lincolnpark Community Garden: a garden with flower meadows, a greenhouse, an orchard, a growing area, and even its own pizza oven! Almost year-round, someone is present from Monday to Saturday until 13:00 PM. Volunteers work according to nature's clock and welcome anyone who is interested. The MEERGroen Foundation also regularly organizes events here, which are open to everyone. How about the vegetable market, for example, where you can find fresh, non-toxic, locally grown vegetables every Saturday? Besides enjoying delicious food, this is also a great opportunity to meet your neighbors. Keep the Instagram page of the MEERGRoen Foundation to stay informed about all events and activities. 

Grape leaf MOREgreen Source: MEERgroen Foundation
Bee with pollen Source: MEERgroen Foundation

Shop locally  

From May to November, come visit us on Saturdays between 11.00 a.m. and 14.00 p.m. MOREVegetable shop At the Lincolnpark Community Garden, the MEERGroen Foundation sells a different assortment of fresh, local, seasonal vegetables every week. Grown with love—you can taste it! What will you make with them?  

Awards and impact

In October 2024, MEERGroen received the Share Award for Sustainable Innovation, an award for projects that truly make a difference in Haarlemmermeer. Through its MeerBomenNu campaign, the foundation has already saved and replanted over 2,7 million saplings, making the Netherlands greener, with a large contribution from Haarlemmermeer. MEERGroen also demonstrates what's possible with places like the Lincolnpark Community Garden, where residents and nature come together, and people work together to create a greener neighborhood.

 To learn by practise  

Want to participate in the projects of the MEERGroen Foundation? Everyone is welcome. You can help on a day that suits you, as the foundation is open every day of the week. There's plenty to do: from gardening to building and from pruning to harvesting. This way, you'll contribute to nature, relax, and meet new people! Join!

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