YES We Can

Seven parks and recreation sites across Philadelphia will get a little greener this summer, thanks to more than 50 high-school students employed in a green job program that will landscape and beautify their neighborhoods.

Now in its fifth year, the Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) program, a partnership of PHS and the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, will include groups of eight students working at the following sites:

• East Park/Mander Playground, 2140 N. 33rd St.

• Laura Simms Skate House/Cobbs Creek Park, Cobbs Creek Pkwy and Walnut St.

• Papa Playground/Morris Park, 68th St. and Lansdowne Ave.

• James Ramp Memorial Playground/Pennypack Park, 3300 -3400 Solly Ave.

• Olney Rec Center/Tacony Creek Park, E. Champlost St. and A St.

• Hunting Park, 9th Street and Old York Road

• Awbury Park and Recreation Center, 7001 Germantown Ave.

The YES program runs July 6 through August 13. Environmental site work includes cleanup and removal of weeds and invasive plants; planting annuals and perennials; trail maintenance; use of shovels, pruners, rakes and other tools; and watering plants. Many of the students will be working in their own neighborhoods. Participants work 20 hours per week and earn $7.25 per hour

The six-week training also includes team building exercises with Urban Blazers, Outward Bound, and Go Vertical Rock Climbing; a hike in Wissahickon Park; a family, friends and community night; and yoga. A special tree education and care day will be held at Hunting Park.

Funding for YES is made possible by Bank of America, The Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation, The ERM Group Foundation, the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy.

The YES Program is one several PHS “Gen Green” programs, including Green City Teachers, year-round work on Kids Grow Expo, and a growing partnership with local girl scouts. To watch a video about the YES program, visit here.