Welcome Home, 2013

Welcome Home, 2013

Commissioned by the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Philadelphia, PA

environmental installation including clearing of invasive plants, planting of native plants, installation of deer fence, stone walkway, door step with “welcome home” inscribed on it, door and door frame, and mailbox with information about the project inside

In this urban forest, diverse species of native plants that provide habitat for insects and birds are threatened by invasive species and deer browse.  A volunteer crew cleared a cottage-sized area of invasive plants, constructed walls of deer fence, and planted many species of native plants inside. A door welcomes visitors to the enclosure while keeping out deer, and a stone doorstep is inscribed with the words “Welcome Home.”  Over time, visitors will be able to observe the difference between the plant life inside the fence and outside the fence.