If you live in an area that feels as if it is dying, there are things that you can do. All of the following possibilities will bring the area back to life.

If it’s possible, plant trees. Choose the biggest trees you can afford. If there is no money for community trees, plant a few trees at the entry, or to each side, of the government building that houses the officials who can allocate the money for new trees. You might change some minds.

Install more light poles in the area, or simply add brighter bulbs to the existing fixtures. If installing new poles, shine the light toward the ground. Detroit recently spent city money to replace hundreds of lights that had been turned off since the city’s bankruptcy. Well done!

Add a water fountain at the entry to the area, or at the center. Make sure the water shoots skyward.

Encourage new activities unlike anything that has come before. If the area was commercial, you might add a children’s park or outdoor concerts. Be creative.

Any one of these actions will change the environment, and with change comes possibility. Gather your friends and get busy. You will notice how even the smallest thing can make a powerful difference.

And, if it just your lot that seems depressed, try these ideas on a smaller scale. Good luck.