To plant orchards in the city of Philadelphia that grow healthy food, green spaces and community food security.
Welcome to our website!
Mission. The Philadelphia Orchard Project plants orchards in the city of Philadelphia that grow healthy food, green spaces and community food security.
POP works with community-based groups and volunteers to plan and plant orchards filled with useful and edible plants. POP provides the plants, trees, and training. Community organizations own, maintain, and harvest the orchards, expanding community-based food production. Orchards are planted in formerly vacant lots, community gardens, schoolyards, and other spaces, almost exclusively in low-wealth neighborhoods where people lack access to fresh fruit.
Please join POP in building community food security for Philadelphia’s future!
Some of the highlights from fall 2011:
Planted 3 new orchards at Bartram's Garden, Earth's Keepers Farm, and Temple Presbyterian Church and expanded 11 existing sites.
Added 72 fruit & nut trees, 131 berry bushes & vines, and 929 perennials & groundcovers to Philadelphia's community orchards.
Organized the first ever Philadelphia Orchard Day, a city-wide celebration of urban orchards including orchard plantings, cleanups, fruit tastings, and harvest festivals.
Involved 473 volunteers in orchard events.
Secured grant support from the Claneil and Fels foundations.
We invite you to participate by planting with POP, working alongside volunteers from our community partners to plant orchards all over the city. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. These events involve digging, planting, and spreading compost and mulch, so expect to get dirty. We can't guarantee tools for all; if you bring your own, it is advisable to write your name on them. Snacks and beverages to share are also welcome.
Planting events can generally be expected to last 3 or 4 hours. Please sign up for our volunteer email list for up-to-date info on events. We recommend that you check your email the morning of a planting to confirm whether if will be postponed to the raindate. Plantings happen in the spring and fall months.
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