Neighborhoods in West and Southwest Philadelphia have seen significant improvements with the addition of over 1,000 new trees and the greening of more than 1,000 vacant lots. This transformation is attributed to Deeply Rooted, a collaborative initiative involving over 25 local community organizations, Penn Medicine, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) has played a strategic role in this greening effort.
Since spring 2022, Deeply Rooted has distributed over $212,000 through 79 “Community Green Grants.” These grants support projects that promote nature appreciation and care. Projects funded include Indego bike share subscriptions for a bicycling group called “Black Girl Joyride,” community garden programs like yoga classes or gardening education, and resources for neighborhood cleanup events.
Deeply Rooted also partnered with the School District of Philadelphia to increase tree cover around West Philadelphia schools. The initiative aims to reverse systemic disinvestment effects in Black communities using evidence-backed interventions like tree planting and converting vacant spaces into green areas.
“The community response to Deeply Rooted is extremely positive,” said Eugenia (Gina) South, MD, MS from Penn Medicine. She emphasized the importance of reinvestment in these areas.
Vanesa Karamanian, MD from CHOP highlighted the health benefits: “Children who grow up with access to green space are more likely to lead healthier lives.”
The collaboration complements the School District’s GreenFutures initiative aimed at providing green learning environments. Toni Damon from Middle Years Alternative noted that this partnership helps improve both student knowledge about environmental justice and physical school surroundings.
With PHS’s assistance, Deeply Rooted planted over 50 trees around two schools and initiated educational programs on street trees’ species and care. Will Brown from Parkway West High School stressed how students learn about their community roles through these discussions.
Research indicates that cleaning vacant lots and planting trees can deter crime by making areas less appealing for illegal activities.
Established by Penn Medicine’s Urban Health Lab as part of its Center for Health Justice in 2022, Deeply Rooted focuses on eight Philadelphia communities. It leverages an initial $6 million investment from Penn Medicine and CHOP’s Healthier Together Initiative. The project uses research-based environmental interventions to reduce violence and improve health while prioritizing community partner expertise.
“Health justice means all people feel safe,” said South. “We need to stay focused on working with communities experiencing disparities.”
