Next month, volunteers can lend a hand to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) by planting over 1,200 trees throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
Locals can work alongside over 90 PHS Tree Tenders groups and community organizations from Nov. 11 to 17, and sign-ups are now live for many of the occasions.
Through this semi-annual initiative, the group creates and enhances tree canopy in neighborhoods across the Philadelphia region to promote healthier, greener communities. As a release notes, this weeklong planting blitz reflects PHS’s ongoing commitment to educating communities on the importance of building urban tree canopy and empowering them with the tools and resources needed to become active tree stewards.
“We are so excited to be enacting tree plantings this fall, helping to develop vital tree canopy for residents. This tree planting week not only serves as a reflection of PHS’s mission supporting a greener, healthier region, but also serves as an opportunity for community members to come together to be a part of an incredible effort that directly benefits their neighborhood,” stated Director of Trees Dan Preziosi in a statement.
Tree Tenders is a core component of PHS’s mission, and it is regarded as one of the most robust urban tree planting programs in the nation at the forefront of the urban forestry movement. The PHS Tree Tenders training program offers education in tree planting and ongoing tree care to individuals and volunteer community groups, with its reach extending to five of Philadelphia’s surrounding counties.
As the release states, today, there are more than 118 active Tree Tender groups in the Greater Philadelphia region, and PHS has trained over 6,000 volunteers who have rallied neighbors to come together to plant and care for trees. Since 1991, Tree Tenders have planted over 30,000 trees in neighborhoods across the area.
No experience is needed to contribute to the tree planting process, with each shift lasting about 2-3 hours at the assigned site. Sign-ups are available online (look for blue circles on the website’s map) and follow the link or reach out to the contact person provided to sign up directly.
Additionally, volunteers are welcome to participate in Tree Unloading Day on Nov. 13 at Mt. Moriah Cemetery (62nd Street and Kingsessing Avenue). A Tree Tenders group leader will be assigned to all planting locations to educate and support the assigned volunteers. Everyone is asked to bring gloves, close-toed shoes, a shovel if you have one, and a water bottle. Supplies for plantings will be available onsite, including shovels, pickaxes, brooms, and trash bags. Participants are also asked to dress for the weather as plantings will happen rain or shine.
For more information, visit phsonline.org
