The people who are transforming Philly’s vacant lots into green spaces
The organization We Are the Seeds began planting as part of a push to return land sovereignty to Indigenous people
TL;DR
- We Are the Seeds is transforming vacant lots in Philadelphia into native gardens.
- The project is part of the LandBack movement, aiming to return sovereignty and stewardship of land to Indigenous people.
- Native plants are used, including endangered varieties, to support local insects and birds and conserve water.
- The organization has converted three vacant lots and hopes to inspire the transformation of many more.
- The city of Philadelphia has launched a pilot program, Lotscapes, to address vacant lots resulting from redlining and disinvestment.
- We Are the Seeds plans to eventually seek ownership of the land through adverse possession laws.
- Community members are involved in the planning and enthusiastically support the garden's development.
- The gardens are open to neighbors to take herbs and corn, and are envisioned as spaces for reconnection with the land.
- Future plans include a podcast studio for archiving community stories and Indigenous ancestry, sculptures, and soundscapes.