Save the Village Community's Youth Stewarded Fruit Tree Orchard
The Issue
For 15 years, the youth in our Urban Farming Program have nurtured and cherished the fruit trees at 1019–1023 W Cumberland. This orchard is not just a plot of land; it is a vibrant symbol of community spirit, environmental stewardship, and an essential food source for local residents. Each year, the trees provide fresh fruit that feeds passersby, makes fresh jams and syrups, and fosters a connection to nature that is invaluable in an urban setting.
However, this cherished space is now under threat. The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) plans to build three houses on this orchard, with construction scheduled to begin on November 1. While we understand the need for new housing developments, we believe it should not come at the expense of our precious green space. The potential destruction of these trees represents an irreparable loss to our neighborhood.
We support responsible development, but we urge the PHA to consider a land swap instead, one that allows for the creation of new homes without sacrificing our valued orchard. This proposal could accommodate urban growth while preserving community resources and environmental assets.
The Youth Stewarded Orchard contributes significantly to the local ecosystem. It provides habitat for birds, insects, and wildlife, enriching biodiversity and offering educational opportunities for children and adults alike. Preserving it matters not only for environmental reasons, but also because it represents years of love, labor, and learning by teenagers and adults in our neighborhood.
In a world where urban green spaces are increasingly rare, this orchard stands as a beacon of sustainability and community involvement. It is a place where children learn about agriculture, teamwork, and the importance of caring for the Earth. It is where the community gathers, interacts, and grows stronger together.
We ask every resident of 19133 and beyond to stand with us in this crucial effort. Sign this petition to save our orchard. Let us ask the PHA to reconsider its development approach by opting for a land swap to protect our beloved fruit trees and sustain the environmental and social health of our neighborhood.
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The Issue
For 15 years, the youth in our Urban Farming Program have nurtured and cherished the fruit trees at 1019–1023 W Cumberland. This orchard is not just a plot of land; it is a vibrant symbol of community spirit, environmental stewardship, and an essential food source for local residents. Each year, the trees provide fresh fruit that feeds passersby, makes fresh jams and syrups, and fosters a connection to nature that is invaluable in an urban setting.
However, this cherished space is now under threat. The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) plans to build three houses on this orchard, with construction scheduled to begin on November 1. While we understand the need for new housing developments, we believe it should not come at the expense of our precious green space. The potential destruction of these trees represents an irreparable loss to our neighborhood.
We support responsible development, but we urge the PHA to consider a land swap instead, one that allows for the creation of new homes without sacrificing our valued orchard. This proposal could accommodate urban growth while preserving community resources and environmental assets.
The Youth Stewarded Orchard contributes significantly to the local ecosystem. It provides habitat for birds, insects, and wildlife, enriching biodiversity and offering educational opportunities for children and adults alike. Preserving it matters not only for environmental reasons, but also because it represents years of love, labor, and learning by teenagers and adults in our neighborhood.
In a world where urban green spaces are increasingly rare, this orchard stands as a beacon of sustainability and community involvement. It is a place where children learn about agriculture, teamwork, and the importance of caring for the Earth. It is where the community gathers, interacts, and grows stronger together.
We ask every resident of 19133 and beyond to stand with us in this crucial effort. Sign this petition to save our orchard. Let us ask the PHA to reconsider its development approach by opting for a land swap to protect our beloved fruit trees and sustain the environmental and social health of our neighborhood.
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Petition created on September 30, 2026