Tree Keepers

Here on the final workday of the 2015 TreeKeepers season, we'd like to give thanks to everyone who has supported our program in likes and in person during our past 9 months. Please help give props to a work crew of young men dedicated to making positive changes in the parks and recreation areas that you and your family enjoy on a daily basis, and support your parks department, support workforce development, and help us all in doing your part to make our public spaces safe, clean, and prideful. And please send off our fearless crew leader for the past 3 seasons, Jacob Wilson (far right) who is leaving us for even greener pastures. Thanks for your hard work, positive attitude, and leading by example; best of luck in your future, and as for the rest of us, we'll see you all next March!

May we stay forever thankful for those who continue to love and appreciate hard work and progress. Happy Holidays from the Tree Keepers!

If you didn't know it from the gorgeous colors, the up-and-down temperatures, or the early nights, it's Fall! But, with Winter right around the corner, the Tree Keepers push on. This week, the guys can be found at Wissinoming Park, home to this monstrous Gingko and many, many other trees. Happy Monday, friends.

It's amazing what you can find when working outdoors. Today, some of the guys stumbled across a Hickory Horned Devil Caterpillar (Citheronia regalis). After a quick photo op, the guys were right back to work. Looks like Wednesdays aren't so bad after all.

Veteran Tree Keeper Calvin (left) leads a lesson in tree pruning with one of the TKs' newest members, Braheem. The future is bright.

Just another day in the Park.

(missing: Tree Keepers Javon and Jorge)

In this line of work, it takes skill, confidence, and determination to succeed, even when the forces of nature don't want you to. Assistant Crew Leader Sean and the esteemed Tree Keeper clan rarely back down from a challenge, and on days like this, we must show our appreciation. Great job, fellas!

And if you missed this one, this is the story of the leader, the grand poobah, the wise sage and restless seeker. Meet Jake Wilson.

Find Your Path Story: Jacob Wilson, TreeKeepers Crew Leader I first started working with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation as a PMA [Parks Maintenance Attendant] during my summer vacations in high school, but my journey with the department truly began when I was...

Curtis is the TreeKeeper guru, the preacher, the mentor. Read his story, love the man. This is what awesome looks like.

Find Your Path Story: Curtis Shiver, TreeKeepers I grew up in North Philadelphia, at the intersection of 23rd & Diamond, in what most would call the projects. Growing up, I was more excited about drug dealing, money, and cars than finding a positive...

Teamwork makes the dream work, my friends! This week, the world class Tree Keeper squad join forces with the hard working PowerCorps PHL at FDR Park, erasing years and years of invasive growth and restoring the glory to this great park. Great, great job to both teams!

In 2013, the illustrious Tree Keeper Unit visited Overington Park and blessed the area with some well needed tree pruning. Now, this great area is getting the recognition it deserves.

Overington Park is Frankford's hidden jewel Frankford’s secret oasis is diverse, serene &green

All-star Tree Pruners Jesse and Calvin working hard at Boyle Playground, doing what they do best. Good job, fellas.