Penn State Extension praised by state for native plant gardens in Philadelphia

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program in Philadelphia County, in partnership with the Friends of Wharton Square Park, recently received a Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, presented annually by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The recognition is the highest statewide honor bestowed upon schools, businesses and community organizations for environmental performance and innovation in cleaning up watersheds, saving energy, eliminating pollution, reducing waste and other initiatives.

Master Watershed Steward volunteers in Philadelphia County helped create a series of native plant habitat gardens in Wharton Square Park in collaboration with the Friends of Wharton Square Park, a community organization dedicated to maintaining the health, beauty and safety of the only city park in the Point Breeze section of South Philadelphia.

This project, the sole Philadelphia winner among the 22 statewide award recipients, transformed Wharton Square Park by integrating eight native plant gardens into its existing design. These gardens, covering approximately 1,500 square feet and featuring 16 native plant species, serve multiple purposes. They not only enhance the park experience and promote environmental education but also provide habitats for pollinators, support the local urban ecosystem and contribute to resident health.

Planting took place at a community event called “Plant the Park” in June 2023. Volunteers prepped soil with compost, designed optimal planting configurations, planted, mulched and watered. The international nonprofit Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation provided plants.

“My immediate thought when we first scoped the project was to apply for the Xerces Society Pollinator Kit,” said Beth Yount, extension educator and Master Watershed Steward coordinator in Philadelphia County. “It really was the perfect fit. They provide native plants where they’re needed most, at no cost. We received more than $1,000 worth of plants. Working in partnership with the Point Breeze community and organizations like the Xerces Society made this project one of my most rewarding experiences.”

The City of Philadelphia provided mulch and compost. Vicinity Energy, a sustainable district energy provider located in Grays Ferry, funded a $1,700 zero-emissions water wagon machine that allowed volunteers to water in areas of the park that previously could not be reached.

“This year’s Environmental Excellence honorees showcase the innovative ways we can protect our environment and shape a more sustainable future here in Pennsylvania,” said Department of Environmental Protection Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Together we will spur the next generation of environmental stewards, and these projects represent our ability to work together and preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources.”

A ceremony recognizing the Wharton Square Park award is scheduled for May 16 in Point Breeze, coinciding with Pennsylvania Native Species Day. Expected attendees include state Rep. Jordan Harris, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, leadership from the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation department, and other key Philadelphia officials.

The Penn State Master Watershed Steward program provides extensive training in watershed management to volunteers who, in return, educate the community about watershed stewardship based on university research and recommendations. The program was established to strengthen local capacity for management and protection of watersheds, streams and rivers by educating and empowering volunteers across the commonwealth.

Anyone interested in becoming a Master Watershed Steward can learn more about the program on the Penn State Extension website.