In December 2001, students from several universities in South Carolina planted a garden at the corner of Erie St and Branch Ave S.E. and cleaned the wooded park nearby. This project was part of their "Semester in Washington" study program. Since then the corner has been adopted by Hillcrest residents Dorothy Anthony, Doris Davis and Elizabeth Dortch who planted annuals and perennials and regularly maintain the garden. In August 2002, several Hillcerst residents gave them a hand in spreading compost that was provided by the city's Department of Public Works.
