A Refresher on Recycling

Two weeks ago we featured news about an exciting new recycling initiative in Philadelphia. If you haven’t heard, city government is instituting Recycling Rewards, which residents can soon earn. The rewards are varied and well worthwhile; of course we’re especially enthused about the ability to earn charitable contributions to PHS. Click here to learn more.

In response to this new program, Philly.com featured a terrific article all about recycling. Ever wonder what becomes of the soda bottle you deposit in a blue bin? The article explains. Best of all are the recycling tips.  (Turns out that paint cans, phone books, and envelopes with plastic windows can all be recycled. Good to know!)

Pretty as a Picture

'Purple Cone Flower Emerging' by Dr. Albert J. Pasquarelli

The winners of the 2009 Green Scene Photo Contest are now available online for your viewing pleasure. The judges were, as always, blown away by the quality of images we received. Sorting through the hundreds of photos and selecting a few winners was both an overwhelming task and a total delight. To see the pictures as they appear in Green Scene, click here. If you think your photos could be among next year’s winners, look for contest information this summer.

It’s a Worm’s World

If you’re reading this, chances are you are the type of person who devotes endless hours to making your garden look great. But how much attention do you pay to the soil, which is–literally–the foundation of your passion project?

Recently, PHS’s Green Scene magazine sat down with Mark Highland of Organic Mechanics. A Downingtown, Pennsylvania-based company, Organic Mechanics manufactures and distributes organic potting soil.

Mark says, “By studying soils and potting soils extensively, I saw that plant health is directly related to soil health.”

To learn more about Mark and his special blend of nutrient-rich soil, click here.

Statistics Show the Power of Parks

From coast to coast greening is proving to be a wise investment for cities on the rise. The Trust for Public Land recently documented the positive economic value and quantifiable benefits of parks and greening using specific examples from around the country. [i]

Parks increase property values and thereby increase municipal tax revenue! In 2006 the parks system of Washington DC created almost $1.2 billion dollars in residential property value, resulting in a $6.9 million dollar increase in municipal taxes.

Parks bring tourists and other visitors, many of whom spend money during their visits! San Diego CA concluded that 5% of its tourism visits were due to its park system.

Park-related spending by more than 1.3 million visitors to San Diego parks in 2006 equaled $114.3 million dollars, creating tax revenue of approximately $8.5 million dollars for the City.

Parks offer a quantifiable “direct use” benefit to those who use them ! In Boston MA, activities made possible by park facilities for free, including dog walking, swimming, golfing, and attending concerts, were determined to provide a $354 million dollar direct use value to park users.

Parks offer space for activities that improve the health and reduce health care costs! In 2007 in Sacramento CA more than 78,000 people used the park system enough to improve their health to the tune of $19.8 million dollars in health care savings.

Parks and the trees they contain quantifiably reduce air pollution! In 2005, trees in Washington DC were found to remove 244 tons of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants from the air saving more than $1.13 million dollars.

Getting on the Grid

Grid magazine is a terrific resource for Philadelphians looking to learn all about sustainability in our city. The new February issue covers everything from food co-ops to recycled rain-wear. But of chief interest to any Philadelphia Greener is likely the bit about stormwater management. To discover what the city is doing to combat sewer overflow and read other green-minded articles, click here to view the magazine’s digital edition.

A New Volunteer Opportunity

Those intimately familiar with PHS likely know that Meadowbrook Farm in Abington Township (just north of the city) is a PHS affiliate. This means that Meadowbrook forces for plants for the Flower Show, partners with PHS on workshops and lectures, and even offers shopping discounts to PHS members.

Starting in spring, Meadowbrook is seeking volunteers to assist in its glorious gardens. If you are a seasoned community gardener, or just someone with a green thumb, why not offer a bit of your time?

And because Meadowbrook features several types of gardens (including perennials, natives, vegetables, bogs, and cacti), there is bound to be a plot that piques your interest and would benefit from your talent.

If gardening isn’t your thing, Meadowbrook is also looking for volunteers to lead tours of the estate and surrounding grounds. Guides must have friendly dispositions and enthusiasm for local history and nature.

To learn more about pitching in at Meadowbrook, click here or call 215-887-5900.

City Gardening Series: Get Ready for Spring

This Wednesday, the City Gardening Series wants to help you gear up for the warmer weather. From 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Wynnefield branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, join horticulturist Charlotte Kidd for Tips for Planning the Springtime Garden. In her presentation Charlotte will explain how now is the perfect time to start making preparations regarding plant selection and garden planning. This is a free event open to PHS members and the public, so don’t let it pass you by!

Philly Green Goes to Milwaukee

A Growing Power Greenhouse

In December, the Philadelphia Green gardens team, a member of the Education department, and friends from Weavers Way and Greensgrow Farms visited Growing Power headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Growing Power is a nonprofit and land trust that promotes food security and equality through urban agriculture projects in Detroit, Chicago, and Milwaukee. These sites act as learning and demonstration centers to train communities and individuals in agriculture, animal husbandry, aquaculture, hydroponics, vermicompost, and energy initiatives.

The group meets Will Allen (center).

The PHS representatives had a hands-on introduction to Growing Power by working with its interns in greenhouses and taking a tour with a knowledgeable staff member. A delicious lunch was provided by a community member and the group was treated to a surprise visit by Will Allen (the multi-talented founder of Growing Power and an ex-basketball star)! For more information, visit www.growingpower.org. You may also enjoy this New York Times article from last summer.

The Return of The Thinker

Are you deep in thought trying to determine what’s happening in this photo? Here’s the explanation.

Auguste Rodin’s world famous “The Thinker,” a familiar fixture of Philadelphia’s Rodin Museum, was reinstalled on its pedestal outside the Museum’s entrance on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Wednesday, January 13.

“The Thinker” experienced temporary relocation as part of a larger renovation of the Rodin Museum. Continuing this spring, landscaping, paving, cleaning, and renovation work will take place throughout the entire park block surrounding the museum, based on a design by OLIN landscape architects to renew and improve the grounds.

The new planting plan for the interior courtyard garden and areas surrounding the museum are being implemented in close coordination with the PHS’s Philadelphia Green. This work is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

Philadelphia: An Urban Orchard

Even if the frost on your front lawn begs to differ, spring will be here before we know it. One awesome way to usher in the season is to get involved with PHS tree plantings. And whether you are a novice or a certified Tree Tender, you’re sure to enjoy a February 6 workshop at the Woodford Orchard.  

This hands-on event will primarily focus on fruit trees. Other topics include pruning techniques, organic pest management, and selecting healthy stock. Guest speaker Mason Vollmer, an orchard expert, will lead the discussion.  

Running from 9 am to noon, the event will occur at Woodford Orchard and the nearby Mander Recreation Center. To attend, RSVP to treetendersreg@pennhort.org. This workshop is a partnership of PHS and the Philadelphia Orchard Project.