The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) will celebrate Earth Day by planting trees throughout the Greater Philadelphia area from April 19 - 21, with assistance from more than 75 of its PHS Tree Tenders groups, neighborhood volunteers, and community organizations.
Over 1,100 trees are to be distributed and planted over one week, including at several sites in Bucks County.
PHS is on a mission to build the Philadelphia region’s tree canopy and promote healthier, greener communities through this semi-annual initiative.
Tree canopy, or the amount of land shaded by trees, has been scientifically proven to improve health and well-being outcomes in communities, including leading to a decline in heat-related illnesses and lower rates of violence.
A healthy tree canopy coverage is thought to be 30% of the total land area. The city of Philadelphia only has 20% coverage overall, and in certain neighborhoods, tree canopy is as low as 2.5%. These startlingly low figures have prompted PHS to commit to increasing tree canopy throughout the region, especially in areas with few trees and higher than average temperatures.
No prior expertise is necessary for volunteers to participate in the tree planting process, which usually takes three hours at the specified location. A PHS Tree Tenders group leader will be present at all planting sites to guide and encourage volunteers. Everyone is asked to bring hand sanitizer, gloves, closed-toed shoes, a water bottle, and, if they have one, a shovel.
Planting tools such as shovels, pickaxes, brooms, garbage bags, and other items will be supplied on-site. Participants are also advised to dress appropriately as plantings will take place rain or shine. Visit https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/get-involved to sign up for a planting event near you. Scroll down to Tree Planting Events.
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