Spring is here and to celebrate the changing of the seasons, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is gathering volunteers and planting over 900 trees throughout Greater Philadelphia from April 7 to 14.
This year’s planting is a semi-annual part of PHS’s ongoing mission to grow the Philadelphia region’s tree canopy and promote healthier, greener communities. Five Philadelphia locations—East Passyunk, Heritage Tree Tenders (North Philly), Manayunk, Roxborough, and Wissahickon—will be selected for the events, as well as two Southeastern Pennsylvania events in Ambler and Chester.
Volunteer opportunities will take place in two stages. From April 7-11, volunteers will be able to participate in tree distribution days at the Philabundance Warehouse. During tree sorting and distribution days, volunteers, led by PHS staff, will help unload over 900 bare root trees, sort, and assist in distributing these trees to various Tree Tenders groups.
The second volunteer stage is the tree planting stage, which usually takes three hours at the specified location. Tree plantings will take place April 11-14. Those uncertain of their A PHS Tree Tenders group leader will be present at all planting sites to guide and encourage volunteers.
All volunteers are being asked to bring hand sanitizer, gloves, closed-toed shoes, and a water bottle. Planting tools such as shovels, pickaxes, brooms, garbage bags, and other items will be supplied on-site. No prior experience or expertise is necessary for volunteers to participate in the tree planting process, and participants are advised to dress appropriately as plantings will take place rain or shine.
To sign up, visit phsonline.org and view the map for blue pinpoints where volunteers are still needed. Click on a blue pinpoint to see specific planting details (location, time, etc.). Follow the link or contact the person listed to sign up and join PHS and other volunteers.
The PHS Tree Tenders’ semi-annual training program provides low-cost instruction in tree care to individuals and volunteer organizations. To date, over 6,500 people have become certified PHS Tree Tenders, helping plant over 30,000 trees in Greater Philadelphia neighborhoods since the program’s debut over 30 years ago.
For more information on how to become a PHS Tree Tender in your neighborhood, visit phsocssnline.org.
