Volunteer: Philadelphia Orchard Project planting days

The Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) is planning several planting days over the next few weeks and they’re on the hunt for some volunteers to help grow the city’s community orchards.

POP works with volunteers and community partners to plant and maintain orchards throughout the city. Anyone, regardless of age or gardening skills, is welcome to help POP dig, plant, and mulch on planting days. Just remember to wear work-appropriate clothes, and RSVP online.

Here are some upcoming POP work days:

Temple Presbyterian Church Orchard Planting (Raindate)

Monday, May 21, 11:30am. N. Franklin & W. Thompson. Join the congregation of Temple Presbyterian Church in transforming the vacant lot across the street into a vibrant community orchard space! We’ll be planting more fruit trees, berry bushes, and spreading mulch. RSVP.

POP Nursery Work Day

Wednesday, May 23, 1pm. Weavers Way Farm @ Awbury Arboretum. Help out with potting up plants at our nursery space and check out the remarkable Weavers Way Farm at Awbury Arboretum. Directions. RSVP. Raindate: Thursday, 5/24 @1pm.

Bartram’s Orchard Planting

Tuesday, May 29th, 1pm. Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. Help expand Philadelphia’s largest orchard with more fruit trees and a wetland garden full of edible and useful plants. Check out this exciting new urban farm and community garden at the site of our nation’s oldest botanic garden!  A partnership with Bartram’s Garden, UNI, PHS, and Parks & Rec. RSVP. Raindate: Tuesday, 6/5 @ 1pm.

Strawberry Festival at Woodford Orchard

Saturday, June 9, 10am. Northwest of 33rd & Dauphin streets, East Fairmount Park. Join POP for a community celebration of the spring harvest at the Woodford Orchard! Those coming early can participate in compost bin construction and a composting workshop. The festival will feature a strawberry dessert contest, games, and tours of the orchard and historic Woodford Mansion. RSVP. Raindate: Sunday, 6/10 @ 10am.