Philadelphia Orchard Project

ART OF FOOD — PRODUCED BY MONICA ROGOZINSKI

It is growing season and the Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) is calling out to YOU, all Philadelphians, to come out and help transform your city into a green edible paradise. Since 2007, the POP has been dedicated to the strengthening of low-wealth neighborhoods through the planting of orchards in partnership with community organizations. They are increasing their direct access to healthy food, green spaces that beautify and a permanent infrastructure for food security. POP provides the knowledge, plant materials, training and support, while giving the people and organizations of the community a chance to actively learn how to own, maintain, and harvest the orchards for their own benefit. They love and need the help of volunteers and work with all kinds of partnerships, from schools, houses of worship, Community Development Corporations and even the Philadelphia Prison System. See them in action at the Teens 4 Good Farm, the Awbury Orchard, and the Solid Rock United Methodist house of worship, having completed 36 orchards and counting! For more information and volunteer opportunities near you, go to phillyorchards.com.

WEED IDENTIFICATION GUIDE — PRODUCED BY MONICA ROGOZINSKI, EDITED BY ANDREW ARCHANGELI

Many plants not intentionally planted and commonly considered weeds can actually help an orchard develop by improving the soil, attracting beneficial insects, or providing food or medicine. The Philadelphia Orchard Project has released this year their Weed Identification Guide. A great way for Philadelphians to identify some common weeds that surrounds us here in the city. To purchase the POP Weed Identification Guide for $18, email info@phillyorchards.org.