PHS hosts volunteer tree plantings in Philadelphia region

Through Nov. 20-22, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) will work with over 70 of its Tree Tenders groups and community organizations in addition to hundreds of neighborhood volunteers to come together and plant over 1,000 trees in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. This semi-annual initiative helps to increase the region’s tree canopy and promote healthier, greener neighborhoods.

A key component of PHS’s neighborhood greening activities, the PHS Tree Tenders offer tree planting education and tree care training throughout the year in the five-county Philadelphia region. Participation in the Tree Tenders course and in plantings brings neighbors together while creating healthier, more sustainable living spaces for communities. PHS has trained more than 5,000 people to become Tree Tenders, who have gone on to lead volunteers in planting over 1,300 trees each year.

Yet, the Greater Philadelphia region still needs more trees. While a “good” tree canopy coverage (the area of land shaded by trees) is considered to be 30% of land area, the city of Philadelphia only has 20% coverage and as little as 2.5% in some neighborhoods. PHS is committed to increasing the tree canopy, especially in neighborhoods with few trees and high average temperatures. Throughout the year, PHS works with more than 100 volunteer Tree Tender groups to plant and care for trees in the Philadelphia region.

Interested volunteers are encouraged to find a local event in their region and participate in a tree planting, which typically lasts about 2-3 hours on location. No experience is required but everyone is asked to bring a mask, hand sanitizer, 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, trash bags, and more. Participants are also asked to dress for the weather as plantings will happen regardless of weather.

To learn more about volunteering for this event, please visit: https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/get-involved  

1. Visit the Map of Fall 2020 Tree Tenders Planting events.
2. Find a location that still needs volunteers by clicking the GREEN location pins on the map. Note: some locations have already met the required number of volunteers.
3. Register to volunteer via the Volunteerhub link in the pop up.
4. Find your location, date, and time on the calendar.
5. Click "Sign Up."
6. Sign the Liability Waiver.

COVID-19 safety best practices for the event include:

• Following all standard pandemic precautions: Masks, social distancing, and frequent use of hand sanitizer.
• Minimizing the number of people gathered in one space as well the time they’re gathered there.
• Keeping as much activity as possible outdoors.
• Asking participants to stay home if they have symptoms or have had exposure to someone who does or has been diagnosed.