Kensington Plaza's Rocks Say 'Trees'!

If you've ever wondered how to say "tree" in Bengali—or Russian, or Icelandic—it's easy enough to look up online. But why not just consult the rocks in Kensington Plaza instead?

Bridget Elder, a member of the stewardship group Kensington Litter Mob, has collected rocks from far-flung locales like Cape Cod and the Berkshires, with the goal of writing the word "tree" in each of Kensington's dozens of native tongues. So far, she's up to 39. 

"Wherever I was, I brought back rocks," she said. " I just thought it would be really cool to write the word 'tree' in all the languages in the neighborhood."

The plaza, by the Department of Transportation with the help of Councilman Brad Lander (D-Park Slope), consists of several trees and sitting spaces, converting what previously an unsightly traffic bump-out at at Church Avenue and Beverley Road to a neat neighborhood hang out. 

While the trees have generally been well-received, the lack of tree guards often results in their planters getting filled with trash and cigarettes. 

The idea for rocks as makeshift tree guards was initially conceived by Occupy Kensington, who added scrawled slogans such as "Keep Your Butts Out" as a warning to would-be litter bugs. 

Elder said there's no special process for adding your own rock to the mix. 

"If you want to help, just grab a rock and go for it," she said.