A pilot “There's Good Out(doors) in My Neighborhood” initiative is aimed to engage and

increase the environmental knowledge of Philadelphia’s economically disadvantaged city residents, especially people of color. As city landscapes become less green, due to overwhelming construction, polluted by uneducated neighbors, and/or remain limited with “natural” beauty, there’s a need for urban residents to strengthen their understanding of the environment right outside their doorstep. 

Urban Outdoor Initiatives' goal, through the TGOIMN pilot initiative introduces and educates residents of two underserved neighborhoods (vicinity of Strawberry Mansion and Olney) to the everyday nature that is within their primarily “concrete surroundings.”  A partnership to promote the program exists with Gideon Elementary School and Olney Elementary School.

By developing four environmental lessons tailored for an urban neighborhood, and piloting these lessons in two communities over a 4-month period, participants learn about the environment and/or the nature that exists right outside their doorstep. In an effort to reinforce and connect information learned, a culminating field trip is offered to participants. 

Our hope is to create and/or inspire an attitude of concern, care, positive health and sustainment of their community’s natural space(s). Essentially, as they participate in the program, they are taking the first steps in becoming stewards of the environment, starting in their own neighborhood.