An Interview with Danette Stettler: A Devoted Volunteer of POP



Why did you choose to work with the Philadelphia Orchard Project, specifically? 
Well, because they more go into the urban areas. I like that they are in the urban areas and then the orchards. I think a lot of people do vegetable gardens which are fabulous, but this is something that is just ongoing and growing and growing and trees are going to get bigger and just develop and make more fruit every year, so I think being in the urban area is awesome. 

Why do you think it’s important for people to volunteer and get involved with organizations like POP?
I think it makes the people more accountable. You know, if you get out there and volunteer, you’re less likely, I hope, to litter. But you are also more likely to eat the good fruits and vegetables. And I think, too, I know for myself and when my kids were little, we joined a co-op so they could see where the stuff was grown. We go into the grocery store, but we don’t really understand what kind of tree it comes off of or something. 

Anything else you would like to share to people wanting to be more environmentally conscience, based on your own personal experiences? Any wise words? 
Well actually we just got a tour from Phil, who is the director of the Philadelphia Orchard Project, and I loved how he talked about things being in unison. Like he put this together and the reasons for that. And I think what he was talking about made me realize how we are all in this together – how we are all working together and how we can make each other develop and stuff, as well as the plants. 




Link to Philadelphia Orchard Project Website: https://www.phillyorchards.org






Location: Penn Park, 3000 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

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