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Pocket Orchards on Ash

BEST's new Pocket Orchards

While the demolition of the old Orsini Corner market on E. 5th and Ash was sad as it marked the end of an era for the neighborhood, the addition of our new pocket orchards on the north and south western corners of the intersection is a cause for celebration!

B.E.S.T. partnered with Groundwork Erie's Green Team and LEAF to create and install the pocket orchards at E. 5th and Ash. Green Team members--many of whom are youth who live in our neighborhood, designed these gorgeous pocket orchards. The trees--part of grants received by LEAF and Groundwork Erie--include apple trees, cherry trees, and hazelnut trees. We will be adding a few redbuds and maples, as well, along with wildflowers to help pollinate the orchards. All of the trees were purchased locally from Johnston's Evergreen Nursery.

Although the cherry and hazelnut trees will take a while to produce, we should have some apples ripe for picking by next fall!

The fruit in the orchards is free for everyone! They're our way of ensuring our neighbors have access to fresh fruit when its in season. 

B.E.S.T. makes Erie Better!

Beautification. Walkability. Home Repair. Increased exterior lighting. Public art. Food access. Connecting neighbors to available resources. 

Every dollar spent at B.E.S.T. helps increase property values, enhance safety, and continues to make the Historic East Bayfront a safe, affordable, and vibrant place to call home.  

We're where Erie began and where Erie is heading. Help us continue making Erie better. 

Our impact this year has changed our community!

  • Number of Volunteers this Year

    353

  • Volunteer Hours

    1703

  • Dollars Raised

    $27,850

  • Number of Individual Donors this year

    79

  • Pounds of litter removed from the neighborhood

    900.61

  • Trees Planted

    22

  • Total Grants Awarded to Home Owners

    21

  • Length of replaced sidewalks

    708.60 feet

Thank you to our generous sponsors, partners, and collaborators.

  • Erie Insurance
    Erie Insurance

    Erie Insurance

  • UPMC Health Plan

    UPMC Health PlanUPMC Health Plan

  • Northwest Bank
  • Marquette Savings Bank
    Marquette Savings Bank

    Marquette Savings Bank

  • KnoxLaw
  • Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority
    Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority
  • PA DCED
    PA DCED
  • Infinite Erie
    Infinite Erie

    Infinite Erie

  • Erie Community Foundation
  • NonProfit Partnership
  • Port Authority
    Port Authority

    Port Authority of Erie

  • Groundwork Erie
    Groundwork Erie

    Groundwork Erie

  • Mercyhurst University
    Mercyhurst University

    Mercyhurst University

  • Our West Bayfront
  • Redevelopment Authority of the City of Erie
    Redevelopment Authority of the City of Erie

    Redevelopment Authority of the City of Erie

  • Erie Land Bank
    Erie Land Bank

    Erie Land Bank

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