ROOTS Tree Crew
Trees as restorative justice
Working with neighborhood youth to plant and maintain community trees is vital to the future health of Southwest Philadelphia.
Tree Crew Interns, members of the Southwest Tree Coalition, program partners, and Bartram’s Garden staff in June 2023. Photograph courtesy David Schneck/Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Why care for neighborhood trees?
Although the 50 acres of Bartram’s Garden contain many significant and beautiful trees, appropriate levels of tree canopy are not present in many areas of the city, including our Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood. Trees are an integral part of our city’s infrastructure and should be treated as such. The presence of trees in a community improves environmental health, physical health, and mental health; having trees in a neighborhood also correlates to reduced crime rates and protection against urban blight.
Systemic racism has devastated landscapes, rural and urban alike. Cities have suffered enormous amounts of air, water, and noise pollution, with ensuing negative impacts on health and mental well-being. Philadelphia has a tree canopy coverage of only 20%, with as little as 2.5% in some areas. In 2023, the City set a goal of expanding citywide tree coverage to 30%–we’re working with neighbors and paid youth interns to strengthen tree canopy right here in Southwest Philly.
ROOTS Tree Crew interns presenting landscape designs to community members, friends, and family in June 2023.
ROOTS Tree Crew Paid Youth Internship
Are you a high school student in Southwest Philadelphia? Do you want a part-time job focused on improving your community’s environmental, physical, and mental health? Join the Tree Crew!
Application Deadline: October 14, 2024
Click here to apply today, or learn more below.
For more information, please contact our Tree Program team at trees@bartramsgarden.org.
General Activities
In the fall and spring, ROOTS Tree Crew Interns work 8.5 hours per week at $11–$12.50/hour, with work increasing to 20 hours/week in the summer. Compensation is based on previous experience.
Activities include:
- Take the PHS Tree Tender Training course and become certified Tree Tenders
- Learn about trees, tree plantings, and using tools
- Support community planting days and community clean-ups in Southwest and West Philadelphia
- Explore the intersectionality of trees through subjects like ecology, art, politics, history, and cultural importance
- Work alongside horticulturists to plant within Bartram’s Garden
- Canvass neighbors and engage in community outreach within the Southwest Tree Tender Group area (49th Street to 65th Street, Chester Avenue to Lindbergh Boulevard) to get residents involved in tree planting and care
- Lead seasonal tree tours and community science activities
- Learn concepts of landscape design
- Collaborate with peer interns at Bartram’s Garden
- Connect with professionals from varied careers, including arborists, landscape architects, environmentally minded politicians, crafters that work with wood in sustainable ways, and more
Who Is Eligible
Applications for this competitive program are accepted seasonally. No previous experience is needed–only enthusiasm for a healthier, greener Southwest Philadelphia!
In order to be eligible to apply, you must:
- Live, attend school, or have other personal connections in Southwest Philadelphia, especially in the neighborhoods of Kingsessing, Eastwick, Elmwood Park, or Cobbs Creek. Priority will be given to students who live between 49th Street and 65th Street, between Chester Avenue and the river;
- Have or be eligible for a work permit;
- Be a current high school sophomore, junior, or senior in good standing, ages 14–18; and
- Be able to attend a consistent weekly schedule (see Important Dates), with up to three excused absences.
There is no academic requirement to apply; however, participating interns are supported to maintain at least a C average in all their classes.
Important Dates for 2024–2025 Program
- Application Deadline: October 14, 2024
- Interview Dates: early to mid-October
- Fall Season: October 14–November 29, 2024
- Spring Season: February 10–May 30, 2025
- Summer Season: early July–mid-August 2025
In fall and spring, interns will work 8.5 hours per week: Wednesdays, 4–6pm, and Saturdays, 9am–3:30pm. In the summer, interns will work 20 hours per week: Tuesdays–Fridays, 8:30am–2pm.
Application & Hiring Process
How to Apply
This program has a two-part application process.
Step 1. Online Application
First, click here to submit an online application before the deadline of October 14, 2024. The application will ask for the following information:
- Your age and date of birth
- Your grade and school
- Your contact information (address, email, and phone)
- Contact information (email and phone) for your parent/guardian
- Short-answer written responses to the following questions:
- What are three words that best describe you and why?
- Why are you interested in working in this program? Please share any personal interests or past experiences that contribute to your preference.
- Describe a time when you faced a difficult situation, the ways in which you worked through it and what you learned from the experience.
- In what ways will your participation in this program help you to make a difference in your community?
Step 2. In-Person Interview
After submitting your online application, you may be invited to interview in-person at Bartram’s Garden with staff educators and current interns in the program. These interviews typically take place on a weekday afternoon after the end of the school day. You do not need to bring or wear anything special on the scheduled interview day.
Getting Hired
If you are selected after the interview, you will be contacted by phone or email before the projected start date for the program. Your hiring process will include the following steps and may require you or your parent/guardian to provide additional documentation:
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- Enrolling in the City of Philadelphia’s Career-Connected Learning (C2L-PHL) program as an employee. Bartram’s Garden staff members will be able to help complete the enrollment, which requires submitting the following documents from each category below:
- Social Security Card or Official Document that displays SSN
- Proof of Identity (Driver’s License or School ID or Birth Certificate or Work Permit)
- Proof of Citizenship (Birth Certificate or US Passport or Naturalization Certificate or Alien Registration Card)
- Proof of Philadelphia Residency (Driver’s License or Work Permit or School ID)
- A completed W-9 form
- On-boarding at Bartram’s Garden with the program’s lead educator who will be leading your cohort. This includes completing paperwork to identify your emergency contact, important health/allergy information, and personal demographics. These details are kept confidential.
- Enrolling in the City of Philadelphia’s Career-Connected Learning (C2L-PHL) program as an employee. Bartram’s Garden staff members will be able to help complete the enrollment, which requires submitting the following documents from each category below:
You may also be interested in:
Resources for Growing & Learning
Are you learning to grow your own food or plants? Check out our resources for growers and gardeners.
ROOTS Tree Crew & SW Tree Tenders on Instagram
Follow us for tree news and updates in Southwest Philly.
Youth Programs
Calling local students! Paid youth leadership and free summer camp available.
Botanic Garden & Natural Lands
America’s oldest preserved botanic garden is still growing.
Tree & Shrub Map
Find your favorite trees and shrubs within these 50 acres.
Shop Plants from Our Nursery
Bring our garden home to yours. Shop plants and seeds from our nursery year-round at the Welcome Center or online. Seeds can be shipped; all plants are pickup-only at Bartram’s Garden. Discounts available for Southwest Philadelphia neighbors and Bartram's Garden members!
