Groundwork Erie

At Groundwork Erie, we believe that every neighborhood deserves clean air, healthy food, green spaces, and meaningful opportunities for youth. Our mission is to build a more green, healthy, and resilient Erie by working alongside the very people who live here—especially the next generation.

All across Erie, you can see the impact of our work:

• Vacant lots transformed into pollinator gardens and pocket parks.


• Fresh produce grown and distributed by our Green Team Members via our Pay What You Can Farm Stands


• Trees, native plants, and beauty replacing trash-filled corners. 

Our Green Team program is at the heart of it all. This year, 25 young people, ages 14-18 have joined us as paid environmental stewards—planting trees, building compost systems, maintaining our urban farm, and learning what it means to care for both land and community. It’s not just a summer job. It’s a launchpad for leadership, learning, and care for our community.

We don’t do this work alone. Our partnerships with neighbors, schools, churches, and local organizations are what make this transformation possible. 

This Erie Gives Day, your donation helps us:

• Hire and mentor more Green Team youth


• Expand our Pay-What-You-Can market and food access programs like our 4th Street Community Farm 


• Restore neglected spaces into vibrant, safe, and usable land


• Meet our goal of planting 200 trees in neighborhoods that need it this fall


• Keep building a city that reflects the care and strength of its people

Your gift stays right here in Erie—and grows into something powerful in the next generation. Let’s invest in young leaders, healthy neighborhoods, and the future we all share.

Let's grow a greener future for Erie, together!