Greenstreets - Since 1986, Parks has built more than 2,000 Greenstreets totaling over 125 acres. This citywide program, undertaken in cooperation with the Department of Transportation, replaces paved traffic triangles and center medians with trees, shrubs and flowers. The plants help control stormwater runoff and contribute to better air quality.

Greeting gardens - This new initiative replaces excess asphalt pavement at the entrances of playgrounds with flowers and plants. These individual small spaces will eventually accrue into a substantial acreage across the city. Not only do plants contribute to better air quality and hold stormwater, they also serve to educate children and introduce the concept of stewardship.

Natural area restorations - Parks’ Natural Resources Group is dedicated to designing and constructing full ecosystem restorations for the purpose of habitat restoration and water, air, and soil quality improvements. These include salt marsh and freshwater wetlands, forest, and meadow restorations. Many acres of open space have been reclaimed and restored throughout New York City.