The #CreekyCLEANsquad wrapped up a powerful season of workshops, field trainings, and conferences with a meaningful visit at the Philadelphia Reforestation Hub—and walked away with fresh insight into how fallen trees can spark community restoration and green careers.
For the team, this hands-on visit was a standout experience. They learned how the city gives new life to downed trees by transforming them into usable lumber—keeping materials out of landfills, funding future tree plantings, and creating local jobs in urban forestry. Operated by PowerCorpsPHL and Cambium Smart Wood, the Hub showed the squad how circular systems and public-private partnerships can directly support the greener, safer parks they care for every day.
This visit reminded the team that learning doesn’t stop here. From street tree roots to lumber mills, every part of the landscape has a role to play in healing our urban environment—and the #CreekyCLEANsquad is ready to keep learning, leading, and showing up for their watershed.
The Reforestation Hub was just one of many powerful stops on their learning journey this season. Here are a few more highlights:
Representing TTF at the PA Greenways and Trails Summit
At the end of September, Jose Sanchez (Creeky CLEAN! Squad leader) and Drew Rinaldi Subits (Director of LandCare and Workforce Development) attended the 2025 Pennsylvania Greenways and Trails Summit, joining professionals from across the state to explore new ideas and best practices for caring for trails, parks, and the people who use them.
“We’ve just been going hard in the paint, trying to make the park a better place.”
— Jose Sanchez
National Stream Restoration Conference – Baltimore, MD
Drew and Khyree Jackson traveled to Baltimore to attend the National Stream Restoration Conference, where they connected with watershed professionals from across the country.
“Getting to know people doing the same work was the most valuable part.”
— Khyree Jackson
They brought back strategies and resources to improve creek health and community engagement in our own watershed.
“No matter your title, we all gotta do the same thing: get the trash, keep the creek clean.”
— Khyree
Tree Canopy Conference & Tree Tender Certification
Our #CreekyCLEANsquad was well-represented at the 12th Annual Tree Canopy Conference, with Montez Devine James (Seasonal Maintenance Attendant), Jose, Zahir and Khyree in attendance. They learned about urban forestry, community greening, and the vital role trees play in neighborhood health.
“We’re all interconnected—from the boots on the ground to the people shaping citywide plans.”
— Montez
The last weekend of October., the team completed Bare Root Crew Leader Training and officially became certified Tree Tenders—congrats to all!
“I never thought I’d want to be an arborist. Now I’m studying for the exam and sharing what I learn.”
— Montez
Sustainable Land Care Training: Combatting Illegal Dumping
On October 28–29, TTF partnered with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to co-lead a two-day Sustainable Land Care Training focused on solutions to address illegal dumping in parks such as Tacony Creek Park.
More than 40 PPR staff participated, gaining tools to understand the environmental, safety, and social challenges of dumping, and how to address them with empathy, skill, and long-term strategy.
“It takes time. You clean it today, it might be dumped again tomorrow. But if you keep going, you’ll see change.”
“Your job isn’t to confront people. It’s to help the environment and be part of the solution.”
— Montez
During the training, the squad had the opportunity to work with Khalil Williams, Labor Crew Chief 1 for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and TTF’s 2024 Milestone Honoree. Khalil’s years of leadership and commitment to cleaning and restoring city parks deeply resonated with the team.
“Whitaker Gateway used to be completely covered in vines and trash—it was like a lasagna of mess. Layer after layer, you had to cut through just to get to the ground. But we did it. Now people feel safe there.”
— Montez, reflecting on Khalil’s approach and the power of persistence
A Season of Growth
The fall learning season reminded us that caring for our watershed takes more than tools and trash bags — it takes knowledge, relationships, and a shared vision. The #CreekyCLEANsquad is growing into a team of leaders who are grounded, trained, and committed to building a better, cleaner future for our creeks and communities.
Workforce Development in Action
At its heart, #CreekyCLEAN! is about more than cleaning parks—it’s about creating opportunity. Through field trainings, conferences, partnerships, and hands-on restoration work, the squad and partners are gaining skills that can launch careers in environmental work, landscaping, arboriculture, and city service.
Many team members are youth or returning residents looking to grow, give back, and build a better future for their neighborhoods and their families. From becoming certified Tree Tenders to learning sustainable land care and reforestation strategies, they’re developing as stewards and professionals.
This kind of workforce development creates real value—for the community, for young leaders, and for nature. It builds dignity, purpose, and possibility into everyday work.
“It’s more than a cleanup crew—it’s a ladder of offerings to learn about and climb into environmental careers.”
— Drew Rinaldi Subits, TTF Director of Landcare and Workforce Development
Next year, an even bigger movement is expected. The foundation has been set—and the squad is ready to lead.
Want to get involved?
Volunteer with the #CreekyCLEAN!squad or explore upcoming training opportunities at ttfwatershed.org/get-involved/volunteer
Cleaner Creeks
Greener Parks
Safer Trails
More Fun for Everyone!
This blog is part of the #CreekyCLEAN! TaconyCreekPark initiative.
Learn more at:
🔗 https://ttfwatershed.org/programs/creekyclean-tacony-park/
