UC Green History
UC Green was a 1999 initiative of the University of Pennsylvania to unite community organizations, city agencies, university students, and residents in local greening efforts. The organization fosters community cooperation as these various entities work together around their own residences, streetscapes, institutions, businesses, local parks, and schools. People from many different backgrounds come together on shared projects and develop friendships and strengthen the social fabric of the community.
UC Green provides resources and support (such as design assistance, plant selection, project management for professional contracting, tools, soil supplements, organizational support, plants, and construction materials) often through the management of third party grants. Many efforts generate in-kind donations which leverage matching funds. UC Green helps to develop partnerships and encourage leadership; helping groups take the first step by providing technical assistance, and providing ongoing support as groups build their own systems and take on new projects.
Specific details about UC Green's work can be found on the Projects page.
Many of the projects described took place under the original Executive Director, Esaul Sanchez, who headed the organization from 1999-2002. After 18 months without a staff member, a new Executive Director, Amanda Benner, was hired at the end of 2003 and continued to serve until 2007.