Final Part in our Conservation in Philly series
This three-part Conservation in Philly series explores the underappreciated side of the city’s conservation efforts. We dove into the waters of the Schuylkill and Delaware to highlight the tiny but mighty mussel in our first post of the series and then took a walk through time beneath Philly’s most impressive and historic trees in our In the Parks post. To wrap up the series, this final part explores the folks and organizations around town doing their part to support conservation efforts and what you, as a visitor, can do to effortlessly contribute to the cause.
Eating & Drinking Locally
The diverse landscape and climate of Pennsylvania allows thousands of farmers to grow everything from corn, oats, and barley to apples, peaches, and even mushrooms. Since opening in 1999, Standard Tap has taken advantage of PA’s rich agricultural sector, emphasized by their tagline “Keep It Local”. This Northern Liberties gastropub features dishes using seasonal ingredients and local produce and support initiatives like Pennsylvania’s Buy Fresh Buy Local movement.
Similarly, University City’s White Dog Cafe boasts dishes with ingredients from local farms, located no more than fifty miles from their restaurants. Besides its adorable decor, the restaurant uses renewable energy and LED lighting, and the owners are proud supporters of Alpha Bravo Canine, an organization that donates service dogs to US veterans suffering from debilitating medical and psychological problems as a result of their active combat duty.
Reading Terminal Market is one of the oldest and most beloved markets in the U.S., dating back to 1893. With over 80 merchants housed in the market today – selling everything from Pennsylvania Dutch pastries and Italian cannoli to produce, cheeses, and meats – there’s the potential for a lot of waste: but the Market partners with Mother Compost, which collects and diverts waste to Linvilla Orchard where they are processed and repurposed. Additionally, visitors can feel even better knowing that vendors here like Iovine Brothers and Pennsylvania General Store strive to source locally.
Getting Around Town Sustainably & Safely
Philly has consistently ranked high up on the list of the nation’s most walkable cities. William Penn’s experimental city was laid out in a grid, making it easy to navigate to boot. But what makes the city truly special in terms of getting around on foot are its greenways. In Philadelphia, greenways are corridors that allow pedestrians and bicyclists to safely move about and can even provide shelter and forage for wildlife.
The connected St. Peter’s Way and St. Joseph’s Way is a small example of a greenway that allows pedestrians to wander through historic and quaint Queen Village neighborhood, while both rivers – the Delaware and Schuylkill – can be enjoyed by bike or on foot via car-less greenway trails with breathtaking scenic points along the way.
Tip: During the warmer months, consider renting an Indego bike. This bike share program maintains a live map of available electric bikes at any of its 250 docking stations around the city!
In 2018, the city invited locals and visitors alike to promenade along the newly renovated elevated Rail Park, originally a viaduct that was built in the 1890s to carry passenger and freight trains into Center City. Today, it provides a way to traverse Callowhill district on an elevated path lined with thousands of plants, several murals and art pieces, and plenty of places to sit down, relax, and enjoy city views.
Using public transportation can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but can be confusing or daunting in an unfamiliar city. With only two lines SEPTA’s subway system is fairly easy to navigate. Take the Market-Frankford Line out to leafy West Philadelphia or instead jump on an east-bound train to trendy Fishtown. If you’re catching a Flyers or Eagles game, take the Broad Street Line south to its terminus.
Going Electric
If you’re looking for some narration during your Philly sightseeing, then we have to put in a shameless plug for our electric cart tours. This year, WeVenture will pick up its travelers just outside Reading Terminal Market for our one- or two-hour tour of Philadelphia!
Sit back and relax as your tour guide drives you around to Philly’s most iconic spots, including Independence Hall, Chinatown, and the famous Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
If you haven’t already, check out our previous posts featuring Philly’s parks and waterways. If you or your organization is looking for a fun and educational experience, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to arrange for a Custom Conservation Tour!
