The HPS/MAG Grant Committee is pleased to announce the 2026 grant recipients. Congratulations to all awardees and thank you for engaging in sustainable horticultural projects which enhance our environment. 

Bondsville Mill Park received $743.00 to add perennial plants that will accommodate shade and moisture in its native garden. This project will engage and educate dedicated volunteers as well as members of the community. 

The Boys and Girls Club of Chester (BGCC) received $790.00 to expand its seed starting program.  This project will teach young participants the basic horticulture knowledge necessary to transform seeds to nourishing food. 

The Chester County Food Bank (CCFB) received $990 to increase the diversity of food available to its community by planting a variety of fruit trees. We are particularly happy that the community will be actively involved in this project and educated about the diverse perennial fruits that can thrive locally. This project will provide a significant horticulture connection for CCFB Growers, with the added benefit of improving their nutrition. 

Environmental Commission of East Greenwich Township received $1250.00 to create a native garden to act as a soft landing for the larval stage of insects. This project will enhance biodiversity, engage the community and demonstrate the benefits of planting native gardens. 

Fairmount Community Development Corporation received $905.00 to revitalize Fairmount Park's Fish Pond Garden with a thoughtful selection of native plants, designed to thrive and fortify the landscape against the threat of invasives.  This project will educate a broad community by increasing awareness of how a sustainable landscape can be developed and impact habitat biodiversity. 

Farm of Hope Inc., DBA Hope Springs Farm received $1000 to create a shady fruit bearing orchard, thereby enhancing the flora and fauna of their parched grounds, while providing a foundation for the horticulture engagement and education of your community. This project will provide significant horticulture connection for your Growers, while also improving their nutrition. 

The Franklin County Master Gardener Association (FCMGA) received $1000 to create a demonstration buffer garden with native plants.  This project will enhance biodiversity and educate the community about the benefits of using native plants in buffer garden to contain erosion and improve water quality. 

The Friends of Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park received $1000 to complete the shrub and understory of its food forest. By enhancing biodiversity, this project will restore the ecology of this area, while engaging the community and demonstrating the benefits of native plants. 

Hortus Arboretum and Botanical Garden received $1245.00 to expand its plant collection.  The project will educate the community by increasing awareness of seldom propagated plants and their impact on habitat biodiversity. 

Jenkins Arboretum received. $950.00 to replace invasives with native trees and shrubs.  The project will reinforce the natural forest structure, enhance biodiversity and engage the community. 

John J. Tyler Arboretum received $1000 to create a new front entrance garden.  The project will enhance biodiversity and educate the community about the benefits of using native plants. 

The Nicholas Newlin Foundation received $500 to plant spring ephemerals and improve the biodiversity of the environment. The project will educate a diverse community, by increasing awareness of native plants and their impact on habitat biodiversity.  

Old Pine Farm Natural Land Trust received $1000.00 to create a third pollinator/butterfly garden. This project will enhance the biodiversity of its garden, as well as provide additional educational opportunities to expand the community's knowledge regarding sustainable environmental practices. 

Preservation Delaware Inc./Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar received $800.00 to replace invasive plants with a thoughtful selection of perennial plants, to improve the ecological balance of its local community. This project will directly engage and educate garden volunteers and participants in its training program. 

Springfield Open Space received $750.00 to convert turf grass into a resilient native pollinator meadow. This project will engage the community, enhance the environment and ultimately strengthen the pollinator network. 

Swarthmore Borough received $723.00 to plant native trees in Umoja Park and educate the neighborhood about how to transform yards into sustainable native habitats.  This project will enhance biodiversity and actively engage this community.