Update on EPA Funding

March 27, 2025

In May 2024, Bartram’s Garden was proud to receive a competitive EPA grant supporting 50 paid youth internships, planting 200 trees, and installing 120 home garden beds in Southwest Philadelphia. This work is rooted in our mission and directly reflects visioning from community residents, including the Southwest Philadelphia Community Leadership Team and the Southwest Tree Coalition, as well as the talents and dedication of our staff and Board.

This week, we learned that the EPA is trying to terminate our legally contracted grant. These efforts to disrupt and delay our work come at the busiest season for planting and community greening, hiring young people, and welcoming neighbors to this beautiful space.

Though we are still learning about the potential impacts of this termination attempt, we are seeking to appeal the decision. We will share more details as we have them.

We remain committed to our mission, our partnerships, and especially our place within the ecosystem of Southwest Philadelphia.

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Birds

Boating & Fishing

Flowers, Plants & Trees

Gardening

History

Kids' Activities

Sankofa Community Farm

Southwest Philadelphia

Water Quality

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Youth Internships

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Stroll the Schuylkill River Trail or join us for biking!

Birds

Look up! More than 100 species of birds rely on this ecosystem.

Boating & Fishing

Enjoy all that the Tidal Schuylkill River has to offer.

Flowers, Plants & Trees

See what’s blooming, find a favorite tree, and stroll the gardens and natural lands.

Gardening

Bring the Garden home! Shop for plants or grow food, trees, and more.

History

Uncover the interconnected stories of this historic site.

Kids' Activities

Join us year-round to learn, make, share, and wonder.

Sankofa Community Farm

“Go back and get it!” Growing food sovereignty with an African Diaspora focus.

Southwest Philadelphia

Resources and opportunities especially for neighbors in Southwest Philly.

Water Quality

View our latest data on current river conditions.

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Enjoy upcoming workshops, self-care, and events. Are you a Southwest artist? Let’s partner!

Youth Internships

Calling Southwest students: paid internships available with the river, the farm, and the trees.