FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA (Chestnut Hill)—February 4, 2026
Friends of Pastorius Park (FoPP) has been awarded $170,042 reimbursement grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s highly competitive Growing Greener Grant program to support the Paul W. Meyer Northeast Woods Restoration Project in Pastorius Park, a historic green space serving the Chestnut Hill community.
The Growing Greener Grant program is Pennsylvania’s flagship environmental funding initiative, supporting projects that protect watersheds, restore degraded ecosystems, and preserve open space across the Commonwealth. FoPP’s award was announced as part of a statewide $17+ million investment in conservation projects, with funding awarded to a limited number of projects through a competitive review process.
FoPP was one of only two projects selected in Philadelphia County, underscoring both the competitiveness of the Growing Greener program and the ecological importance of the Northeast Woods restoration effort. Friends of Pastorius Park attributes this achievement in large part to the strong advocacy and letters of support submitted on behalf of the project by local community organizations and elected officials, which helped demonstrate the project’s merit, readiness, and broad community impact.
FoPP extends special thanks to Councilwoman Cindy Bass, State Representative Tarik Khan, State Senator Art Haywood, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Chestnut Hill Community Association, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, the Chestnut Hill Business Association, the Chestnut Hill Community Fund, the Chestnut Hill Rotary Club and the J. S. Jenks school in Chestnut Hill for their leadership and advocacy in support of the project and grant application.
The Paul W. Meyer Northeast Woods Restoration Project focuses on the ecological rehabilitation of a critical woodland area within Pastorius Park and is guided by the legacy and ecological principles of long-standing FoPP supporter, devoted park neighbor, and retired F. Otto Haas Director of Morris Arboretum & Gardens, Paul W. Meyer. The restoration work reflects Meyer’s deep horticultural expertise and philosophy about how people and plants thrive together.
Planned work includes invasive species removal, native tree and understory planting, soil stabilization, and long-term stewardship to improve habitat health, biodiversity, and climate resilience while honoring the park’s historic design and natural character.
“This grant is a real achievement for Pastorius Park and for Chestnut Hill,” said Tracy Gardner, FoPP President. “Growing Greener grants are very competitive and we are honored to be selected and to have the strong support of community leaders behind our application and this restoration of a critical wildlife habitat within the park.
FoPP confirmed that the project is now fully funded through a combination of state support and early, substantial community donations and pledges, including commitments toward a $100,000 matching grant from the Wyncote Foundation and a generous park neighbor.
Friends of Pastorius Park emphasized that this level of community investment was critical to securing the Growing Greener award, demonstrating the project’s readiness and the depth of local commitment to restoring Pastorius Park’s woodlands.
Project implementation is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2026, with ongoing maintenance and stewardship continuing through 2028 to ensure the long-term success of the restoration work.