The Woodlands is inviting neighbors, history buffs, and nature lovers to its historic grounds for its annual benefit on Thursday, June 11.

The evening serves as the largest fundraiser of the year for the 54-acre historic landmark. Funds raised during the event directly support the ongoing preservation of its sprawling canopy, historic 18th-century mansion, and diverse community programming—from the popular nature tours to community partnership events.

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Whether you are looking to get your hands dirty or help maintain the neighborhood’s “green lungs,” West Philadelphia and nearby Southwest Philly offer several opportunities to support urban agriculture and public parks. These organizations are seeking neighbors to help with seasonal stewardship as the spring season reaches its peak.

Park Stewardship & Cleanups

Bartram’s Garden: The 50-acre National Historic Landmark depends on volunteers to maintain its community farm, botanical gardens, and orchard. They host regular “Wednesday Workdays” and “Saturday Service Days” where you can help with weeding, planting, and trail maintenance. Continue Reading

An artist’s rendering of the reimagined Welsh Fountain Gardens in West Fairmount Park (see more renderings below).

The Fairmount Park Conservancy joined State Senator Vincent J. Hughes and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation today to announce a major $2.3 million state grant for the Welsh Fountain Gardens, which is located between Avenue of the Republic and Parkside Avenue across from the Please Touch Museum. Funded through the Commonwealth’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, the project aims to turn a long-dormant historic site into a safe, vibrant space for the community.

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There’s a chance for community members to have a say in improvement and redesign projects in two West Philly neighborhoods – Spruce Hill and Cedar Park.

As you may have heard, the Friends of Clark Park are planning to rebuild the children’s playground near 43rd and Regent, as part of the multi-phase Clark Park Plan. Neighbors, families, and park-goers of all ages are invited to a Play Jam at the park this Saturday, April 11 (rain date: April 12), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to review design inspiration and make their voices heard. This event is the first opportunity for the broader public to engage with early design concepts and help shape Clark Park’s new playground.

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Clean Air Council is again partnering with community stakeholders, Tiny WPA, Amber Art and Design, and Parks and Recreation to create Little Nature Playgrounds at Cobbs Creek Park entrances. In 2025, Cobbs Creek Park received four Little Nature Playgrounds installations along Cobbs Creek Trail – at Cedar Ave, 61st St, Thomas Ave, and Florence Ave – and this new project will add three more locations.

Years of community concerns and advocacy surrounding road safety and barriers to park access have inspired the project. Family friendly entrances will include both an asphalt mural, a little playground, and park maps to draw residents into the park at safe crossing locations. The goal is to provide learning, wellness, and play spaces that connect residents to the physical, social, and mental health benefits of green space.

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The future site of the Philly Phlush public restroom in Clark Park, just east of the basketball court (Photo by West Phill Local).

So long Clark Park porta potties, bring on the Philly Phlush.

Construction is set to begin this week in Clark Park on the city’s latest “Philly Phlush” – the permanent public restroom – the Friends of Clark Park announced on Saturday.

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