Some exciting things are happening at The Woodlands this spring but first, here’s an important message from the staff: The Woodlands Cemetery grounds will be closed to all visitors on Monday, April 10 for tree maintenance. More than 1,000 trees are growing at The Woodlands, and it’s time for a much-needed refresh of the aging tree canopy. The mature trees at the cemetery make this place very special. If you would like to contribute to The Woodlands Tree Fund to help care for them, please click here.

Here’s a list of events happening this and next month. Please note that the Spring edition of the West Craft Fest will not be held this year due to some scheduling conflicts. The Fest will be back in September. Continue Reading

State Rep. Rick Krajewski (188th Legislative District) today announced three projects in his district that were awarded a combined $1.75 million in state funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

The projects awarded this funding include:

• $1 million to PIDC Financing Corporation on behalf of the Public Health Management Corporation to upgrade the Public Health Campus on Cedar’s parking garage.

• $500,000 to the city of Philadelphia for the construction of a synthetic sports field at the corner of Kingsessing Avenue and South 49th Street.

• $250,000 to PIDC Financing Corporation on behalf of The Woodlands Cemetery Company of Philadelphia for renovating a historic building at The Woodlands.

“I am proud of the $1.75 million in state grant funding that will be coming to our district and excited for how these funds will contribute to West and Southwest Philly being a place where people are cared for and can thrive,” Krajewski said in a statement. Continue Reading

Photo by Ryan Collerd

Since the beginning of the month, construction crews have worked on the restoration of high-need sections of paved roadways at The Woodlands cemetery. To commemorate the completion of this work, The Woodlands is holding a celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the front gates of the cemetery at 40th and Woodland (see more info below).

The roads were restored thanks to a $99,500 grant awarded to the historic Woodlands grounds to help with infrastructure improvements. State Representative Rick Krajewski worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to secure the grant. Continue Reading

Here’s a great chance to spend some time after dark at The Woodlands and learn more about one of nature’s magnificent creatures – the firefly! A popular summer event, Firefly Night, will return this Wednesday, June 29, from 6 – 9 p.m. to 40th and Woodland as part of the Nature Nights series.

At the event, guests can watch for fireflies in The Woodlands after dark, all while enjoying a sweet treat from the Popalong Truck. You can also learn about The Discovery Center and have fun with a nature activity. Tangle Movement Arts will present a firefly-inspired aerial performance. After the aerial performance, there will be a chance to explore the Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) learning orchard located near Woodland Avenue.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic and a flashlight! Continue Reading

The Woodlands is accepting applications for its 2022 Grave Gardener program, which will begin later this month. Due to its popularity, the program will only accept a small number of applicants, so if you’re interested in participating hurry up and submit an application. The application period closes Wednesday, Jan. 12 at midnight.

The program accepts a group of volunteers who will be assigned to tend to Cradle Graves at The Woodlands during the growing season from March to November. Cradle Graves have a unique style because they were designed as planters that were gardened and cared for by loved ones in the Victorian era.

Before the beginning of the growing season, The Woodlands will hold a series of educational workshops for new and returning Grave Gardeners. The first workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 26.

To learn more about the program and to apply, please go here.

(Photo courtesy of The Woodlands)

Hamilton Mansion (Photo courtesy of The Woodlands)

The Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion is bringing back some of its popular seasonal events, both for children and adults, after last year’s hiatus. Check out more info below about this year’s After Hours event, Halloween Family Fun Day and Halloween Cocktail Party. Also, bird lovers are invited to the Woodlands on Friday, Oct. 8 for an early morning bird walk (the event begins at 7:30 a.m.). This is a great chance to observe birds during fall migration. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Go here for more info. Continue Reading