Become a Farm to Philly Contributor!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Ever wanted to write about your favorite farm? Share your best recipes that use local produce? Rant about legislation that affects the growers of the foods you eat? Now’s your chance!

Farm to Philly has been blogging since 2007 with a revolving group of writers dedicated to eating locally-grown foods and promoting the local foodshed. There are a few openings for writers, and we’d like you to join our team. No, there’s no pay in this gig, but there is satisfaction in knowing you’re reaching a diverse group of readers who care about the same things you do. We’ve had some exciting opportunities over the years, including having our writers and their recipes featured in articles in Grid, Philadelphia’s magazine about sustainable living.

There are some exciting things in the planning stages, so we hope you’ll sign up. This opportunity is open to residents of Philadelphia, the surrounding counties, and South Jersey. For questions or more information, email Nicole Wolverton, the founder of Farm to Philly.

Mariposa Co-Op Needs Your Help!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Mariposa Co-Op, a member-run and organized co-op in West Philadelphia, needs your help to start it’s renovation on a new, much larger co-op space on time! Members have been working hard for the last few years to write grants, get matching donations, host fundraising events, and increase membership and member equity.Mariposa’s goal is to raise $60,000 by May 31st.  Every bit of help in meeting Mariposa’s fundraising goal helps this neighborhood, situated in one of Philadelphia’s “food deserts,” provide healthy, organic food products and produce to the community. If you want to make a donation or learn more, go HERE and check-out the neat video! If you are already a member and can further increase your equity, go HERE. And if you’d like to become a new member and join the future newly expanded co-op, go HERE!

Community Grants for Clark Park

Friday, April 08, 2011

Are you a West Philly denzien who loves Clark Park, but could think of a few improvements to make it better? Now’s your chance! University City District (UCD) and the Clark Park Partnership, a consortium that oversees park maintenance, events, policies and capital projects, have announced the 2nd annual Clark Park Community Grants. Up to $3000 for one or more projects that enhance Clark Park will be awarded. Eligible projects will include planting, mulching, maintenance, signage, park cleanup, or other permanent improvements to the park.  (Educational or cultural programs are not eligible.) Projects awarded last year were the installation of the first commercial-grade special needs swing in the Clark Park playground as well as the watering and maintenance of 30 Clark Park trees by the skilled UC Green Corps. For more information, look here.

Important Dates

March 21, 2011: Guidelines and application released at http://www.universitycity.org (click here to download)
May 2, 2011: Applications completed and sent to:

Clark Park Community Grant Program
c/o University City District
3940 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

This Week’s Philadelphia Orchard Project Work Days

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Spend a few hours helping Philadelphia Orchard Project green our city with edible trees! Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. These events often 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.

Orchard events can generally be expected to last between 2 and 4 hours (smaller events are designated with an *asterisk).  We recommend that you check your email the morning of an event to confirm whether it will be postponed to the rain date. If you intend to volunteer at an event, please RSVP via their website (www.phillyorchards.org). By clicking on an event description, you can see how many people have signed up and where your help is most needed!

CALVARY ORCHARD PLANTING
Saturday, April 9 @10am
41st & Reno St, West Philadelphia
Join in a follow-up work day with volunteers from the Calvary St. Augustine church. We’ll be mulching and planting more in the new orchard. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
POP NURSERY WORK DAY
Saturday, April 9 @ 1pm
Weavers Way Farm @ Awbury Arboretum, North Philadelphia
Lend a hand potting up plants and spreading mulch at POP’s nursery yard at Weavers Way Farm. See (www.weaversway.coop/index.php?page=185) for directions.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
RAINDATE: Sunday, 4/10 @ 1pm
PEPPER ORCHARD PLANTING
Tuesday, April 12 @ 1pm
South side of Pepper Middle School, 2901 S. 84th St, West Philadelphia  
Assist students from Pepper Middle School in expanding their orchard with new fruit trees, berry bushes, and perennials.  In collaboration with community partner the Urban Nutrition Initiative.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
RAINDATE: Wednesday, 5/13 @ 1pm.