The 500 block of Mercy Street in the Pennsport neighborhood has almost 20 vacant lots. This little loophole of a block is currently unrepresented by any civic association and no grants, projects or improvement ventures have even mentioned it–until now. Thanks to University of Delaware graduate Robyn Mello (a community organizer, activist and gardener), Philly Food Forests has been born to transform these vacant lots into public gardens and public space. Since the first piece of trash was picked up 4 months ago in September, 12 of the 18 lots have already been cleared and are ready to plant. Look for a new community garden headed up by Mello right up the block on 5th and Moore Streets.