The Urban Tree Connection (UTC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-based organization that works with residents in Philadelphia’s historically marginalized urban communities to transform abandoned open spaces into safe and functional places that inspire and promote positive human interaction. They work with residents of West Philadelphia’s Haddington neighborhood to develop community-driven greening and gardening projects on vacant land. Through land reclamation they’re able to foster community leadership of all ages to build healthy sustainable communities.  Over the past 15 years, UTC has partnered with Haddington residents to redevelop 29 vacant lots, totaling more than 86,000 square feet of land, including a fully functional ¾ urban farm. They repurpose these spaces for communal growing, gathering and education that foster deep community relations and empowerment.