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!
This program is not currently accepting applications. 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
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.
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.
Request a Free Tree
Southwest Philadelphia residents can request a free street or yard tree, including support for planting and maintenance.
Youth Programs
Calling local students! Paid youth internship opportunities 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!
