Image: Feet First Philly

Image: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

GirlTrek Philadelphia and Fairmount Park Conservancy are working in collaboration to install the first public Memorial Tree Grove dedicated to the victims of gun violence and COVID-19.  

The intersectionality of Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic are undeniable. Gun violence has increased by over 67 percent since the start of the pandemic and we want to have a nature intervention and environmental response to this crisis and assist the loved ones of victims in navigating their grief and trauma by utilizing the nature prescription.  

Research evidence shows that people who spend time in nature and/or gardening have lower stress and anxiety and over time develop an increased sense of well-being and purpose.

Participants will have access to the following opportunities:

• Plant a tree or Perennial Plants in memory of their loved one.

• Free Environmental Education Training. Garden Tenders or Tree Tenders Training from PHS. * links lead to program descriptions NOT registration. 

• Community building with other families and organizations dedicated to ending gun violence and COVID pandemic.

• Bi-weekly Walks with a Grief Counselor/Mental Health Professional in partnership with WeWalkPHL starting May 21, 2022.

Resource list of workforce development training for at risk youth.

SIGN UP BELOW TO RECEIVE UPDATES AND TO REGISTER.