Give To The Woodlands

FINDING REFUGE WITHIN

THE WOODLANDS We’ve welcomed more visitors — new and old — in 2020 than we could have imagined. Help us maintain this sacred space.

“Our biggest success of the year is the impact we’ve had on people’s wellbeing.”

- Jessica Baumert, Executive Director

THE VALUE OF THE WOODLANDS AS A MEANINGFUL PLACE TO SAFELY GATHER AND REFLECT IS MORE EVIDENT THAN EVER BEFORE. For the past 180 years, The Woodlands has endured as a sanctuary and inspiration in the heart of bustling West Philadelphia.

Amidst a global pandemic, we’ve hosted weddings and funerals, arranged burials for loved ones who succumbed to COVID-19, witnessed babies meeting extended families for the first time, spotted socially distanced first dates, and observed other unique uses of the grounds. More families are planning together for their future, and The Woodlands is proud to be a part of those prospects.

CONSIDER A GIFT TODAY TO ENSURE THE WOODLANDS CONTINUES TO THRIVE › Visit WWW.GIVETOTHEWOODLANDS.ORG and make a secure online donation › Use the enclosed envelope to mail a donation (made out to “The Woodlands Trust”) › The Woodlands can accept stock transfers. For more information, please contact Executive Director, Jessica Baumert at 215-386-2181 or baumert@woodlandsphila.org

› DONATE TODAY: givetothewoodlands.org

› Set up contributions via your donor-advised fund › See if your employer matches gifts, which can double your impact

REDISCOVERING

THE WOODLANDS In March, many visitors shared with us that the 54 rolling acres along Woodland Avenue was the only place outside of their homes where they felt normal, at ease.

Nine months into the pandemic, The Woodlands is honored to provide a place of comfort for our community, where people can gather safely, find relief in a natural landscape, and take a deep breath.

“

I have a reverence for the history of the space. The other day, another gardener was working nearby, but far enough away that we could talk. It was a gift.”

- Em Drucker

SIX FEET APART > SIX FEET UNDER SHIFTING GEARS TO ENSURE THE SPACE ADAPTS FOR THE TIMES Outdoor spaces have become more critical than ever, and we have made modifications to accommodate our community safely. Philadelphians seeking an escape were introduced to us for the first time and became daily visitors. Nurses from neighboring hospitals take breaks from the stresses of their jobs with mind clearing walks, and a flurry of families on bicycles descend as soon as the virtual bell sounds, pedaling safely on our paved roads to release some energy.

Formal requests for use of our outdoor space have grown significantly in the last nine months, and we continue modifying our priorities to increase our capacity to accommodate life cycle events safely on the grounds, while keeping the gates open and the site safe for our daily visitors.

“

It was part of my grieving process.

The Grave Gardener program sounded like pure joy, and, as it turns out, totally is.”

- Candice Thompson

› VISIT: givetothewoodlands.org

PANDEMIC PROGRAMMING: WAYS WE’VE COME TOGETHER Finding ways to gather as a community during a pandemic has been a challenge — but one that we’ve met. Digital Tours helped us share new cemetery stories with visitors on site and at home. Jazz concerts at sunrise with our partner Ars Nova Workshop were spiritual and reinvigorating. Volunteer events kept the Grave Gardens blooming, and kept our partnership with Philadelphia Orchard Project growing. Welcoming local organizations in need of open space for their programs has become a way for us to support our neighborhood.

“

We’ve been coming to learn about nature. We saw some bugs on milkweed— they looked like Ladybugs. I think I saw a hawk on top of a tree!”

- The Lin Family

KEEPING THE SPACE ALIVE LANDSCAPE & PRESERVATION 180 years ago The Woodlands was converted into a cemetery to preserve the landscape. Today we have 54 acres of scenery, nearly 2 miles of paved roads, over 1,000 trees, a mile long running path, 30,000 headstones, and 2 National Historic Landmark Buildings.

That’s a lot to take care of with a small staff and a small budget. COVID-19 showed up, but our costs didn’t go away. More people than ever are using the space, which also means more wear and tear. We need your help to continue making improvements to the site and keep it safe for public use. We act like public space, but are privately owned and operated, receiving no city funding. This makes support from our community imperative. › LEARN ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP: www.givetothewoodlands.org