This summer, Flying Kite's
On the Ground program took an
in-depth look at
Bartram’s Garden, a historic horticultural gem on the banks of the Schuylkill River. Now there’s a chance for all Philadelphians to make a big difference for the site.
Gearing up to be more accessible than ever to city-dwellers with the completion of the
Bartram’s Mile trail, the 45-acre national historic landmark recently
reopened the renovated original Bartram House for public tours, as well as the
Ann Bartram Carr Garden. Another burgeoning program is the four-acre Community Farm and Food Resource Center, a formerly a disused baseball field and tennis court. (
Here’s an in-depth look at the amazing work blooming at the farm.)
This summer, the nonprofit launched a
crowdfunding campaign aimed at raising $30,000 for the farm.
"What we’re doing is raising funds for stipends for the students, the farm co-directors' salaries, and all of the supplies that are needed," explains Bartram’s Assistant Director Stephanie Phillips.
Currently, the campaign has raised almost $7,000. If they can hit $10,000 by September 30, a large donor will match those funds with another $10,000.
"It means a lot to us," says Phillips of donors who give even a few dollars (the campaign currently has attracted supporters donating as little as $5 or up to $200). "The support goes a long way, because this is a very lean program that has a pretty huge impact."
The accumulation of those small donations signals the huge community investment in programs at Bartram’s and locals’ desire to keeping them running.
"We see this Go Fund Me campaign as a way to get our feet under us while we do more longterm strategic fundraising," adds Phillips. That can take the form of government grants, but those dollars move slowly and Bartram’s is already "looking to get outside of our borders."
For example, giving garden boxes to residents of nearby Wheeler Street, and helping them learn how to garden for themselves at home outside of Bartram’s fields and greenhouses.
Anyone who wants to pitch in to support Bartram’s workers, programming and supplies can donate to the historic site’s campaign through September 30, 2016.
Writer: Alaina Mabaso
Source: Stephanie Phillips, Bartram’s Garden
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