Brandon Doyle, an ecological gardener, was celebrated as the second “Neighbor of the Month” at the Pantry in New Haven. Doyle was nominated by Sumo Huggins, who was honored as the first Neighbor of the Month in May.

Community-Driven Beautification

Doyle has beautified parts of the neighborhood with native plants and has worked on various community-driven projects, including transforming lawns into pollinator gardens and removing invasive plants from East Rock Park.

Doyle’s work has not gone unnoticed, and he has inspired others to get involved in community-driven projects. “You get a lot more done with 15 and 20 people,” he said.

A Partnership to Recognize Neighbors

The Neighbor of the Month initiative is a partnership between Caroline Tanbee Smith, the Pantry, and Atelier Cho Thompson Design Studio. The goal is to highlight neighbors who care about their community and make it a better place.

Smith, who recently stepped down as Ward 9 alder, believes that people are seeking connection on the local level and wants people to walk into the Pantry and see the face of someone who inspires them to be more connected to their community.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.