You stride determinedly through Philadelphia, a city of busy people, incredible architecture, and flourishing activity, intent on finding something new for your senses to enjoy.  You are beginning to feel as if you have seen it all – every corner and cranny of your City of Brotherly Love.

But perhaps not – for around the next corner lies a bright, beautiful orchard, carrying fruits blossoming with purpose. And there is, indeed, a purpose to their growth: to supply fresh organics in low-income neighborhoods where people normally lack access to fresh fruit.  This is the work of the Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP).

The POP consists of community-based groups and volunteers who plan and plant orchards filled with useful and edible plants.  They work as a cohesive, driven team on a mission: to plant orchards in the city of Philadelphia that grow healthy food, create green spaces, and ensure community food security. Orchards are planted in formerly vacant lots, community gardens, schoolyards, and other spaces, to provide these fresh fruits and nuts – apples, plums, peaches, hazelnuts, and dozens more – to those who need them.

These orchards are not only wholesome and beneficial for the people, but also for the environment.  Orchards reduce urban heat, absorb carbon emissions, filter water, clean the air, absorb noise, and reduce storm water runoff.  These orchards are also helping to reclaim and beautify vacant lots throughout our city.

Looking to help the people and environment of Philadelphia?  You should join the POP. Volunteer events take place every week, open to those of any age.  Exciting planting events range from locations like schools for the blind, to festivals or parks, to small neighborhoods.  POP provides the plants, trees, and training for the volunteers.  What’s not to love? Get more information at www.phillyorchards.org.

Bursting in fresh produce, POP’s orchards are seemingly brilliant.  Not only do they contribute to those who would not normally access such fruits, but they also contribute to this city’s environment and appearance. So just when you had thought that perhaps you have seen it all… POP goes an orchard, contributing to a more beautiful Philadelphia.