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PHS LandCare Program

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the City of Philadelphia, OEEC supports the Philadelphia LandCare Program – which has transformed over 12,000 vacant lots in Philadelphia – by training and employing local residents to clean, green, and maintain vacant lots across the city. This initiative transforms neglected spaces into community assets while offering hands-on job experience in landscaping, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood revitalization.

The program connects those seeking training and employment opportunities in the horticultural and landscape industries. It includes training, job placement, and ongoing support throughout the year for Philadelphia residents impacted by underemployment. 

The green industry workforce development programs offer paid training in the following areas: 

  • Basic horticulture and ecology 
  • Landscape maintenance & tree care 
  • Equipment operation and safety 
  • Light carpentry and masonry 
  • Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) 

Training also includes job readiness workshops that cover non-technical topics including conflict resolution, health education, financial literacy, and occupational therapy. Upon graduating, the program provides continued support services and job placement with partnering employers. 

 

We feel it is helpful that our next generation environmental stewards-in-training understand the impact of the programs under which they train.  For instance, several impacts of the Landcare program in the nearby neighborhoods where a vacant lot is transformed include:  

 

Research demonstrates the following outcomes for nearby neighbors.

Learn more about PHS’s program model and impact.