The Philadelphia LandCare program (coordinated by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and funded by the city’s Office of Housing and Community Development) has recently been recognized as one of the 36 Bright Ideas for their involvement in addressing the urban blight and vacant lots here in Philly. The LandCare program model includes cleaning the lot, adding a layer of grass and trees as well as a storm water management berm and surrounding it with a wooden post-and-rail fence. The goal of all this is to make the neighborhoods more attractive for residents and to developers who can now be found building on formerly neglected lots. Some of the reclaimed lots have also been transformed into community gardens and pocket parks, which really benefit local residents.

The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, chooses the Bright Idea recipients based on issues such as health care, education, civic engagement and service delivery, performance management, as well as programs that demonstrate the value of partnership in improving the lives of citizens. According to PHS President, Drew Becher, “The LandCare Program contributes to the economic progress and quality of life of neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia,” making it an obvious Bright Idea choice.

“The improvements undertaken through the LandCare Program are often the first step toward revitalizing a neighborhood,” says Deborah McColloch, Director of OHCD. The program has helped to lift some of Philadelphia’s most distressed communities, while providing jobs for neighborhood residents as well (another important issue). Philadelphia has really been benefiting from and been in need of programs such as LandCare, so we are glad to see that they have been recognized for truly trying to revitalize the city. (LandCare photos are of Fourth and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.)