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.

Love Your Park Week: This city-wide stewardship event runs through May 17. You can sign up for local service events here at several key neighborhood spots, including:

• Barkan Park (49th and Spruce): Spring cleanup on Saturday, May 16.

• Clark Park (45th and Regent): Spring cleanup on Sunday, May 17. Volunteers typically meet at the maintenance shed near the “Bowl.”

• Malcolm X Park (51st and Pine): Regular stewardship and community walking groups.

The Woodlands: This 54-acre historic site on Woodland Avenue offers unique opportunities for “Grave Gardeners” to tend to Victorian-era cradle graves. They also host seasonal volunteer days for general landscape maintenance and weeding.

Urban Farming & Community Gardens

Urban farms in the neighborhood serve as educational hubs and support local food sovereignty.

• Cloud 9 Community Farms: Centered in West Philly, this nonprofit manages rain gardens and community plots. They are currently looking for volunteers for farm days, committee outreach, and board leadership.

• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS): PHS supports a network of community gardens across West Philadelphia. Volunteers can connect with specific neighborhood gardens for “work days” or join the Tree Tenders program to care for local street trees.

If you are heading out to a farm or park cleanup this month, check for registration. While many park cleanups are “show up and help,” organizations like Bartram’s Garden and Cloud 9 often prefer a quick heads-up via their website so they can plan tasks accordingly.