UC Green – Get Involved

We hear you: readers, friends and acquaintances have said one of their goals for 2010 is to do (more?) volunteer work…

UC Green – non profit organization that plants and maintains trees- is an excellent organization to get involved in!

At the end of November UC Green held their annual community tree-planting event  – they planted one hundred and fifty bare root trees in several blocks throughout West Philadelphia.  Close to three hundred volunteers chipped in.

Another event, the New Year Limb-Up, took place January 23, near the Spring Garden Bridge.  The objective was to prune some maturing trees that desperately needed attention; volunteers were greeted by hot coffee, donuts, and smiles!  29 volunteers were able to prune 34 trees on 4 blocks, collected six 56-gallon trash bags of debris, and one bag of recyclables.  Several Drexel students removed 2 trees along the Drexel Community Park (result of reckless driving accidents) and the large limbs were cut up for firewood.  The Tree Tenders program also offers very worthwhile, interactive classes to introduce people to the basics of urban tree care.

There’s smaller events throughout the year , so get involved! Prior tree planting experience is not necessary – UC Green provides all the tools and expertise, so beginners are always welcome.

You’ll have a renewed appreciation for Philadelphia’s trees this spring. To learn more visit ucgreen.org or contact volunteer coordinator Winnie Harris at 215-573-4684 or wharris@ucgreen.org.

Posted by Beth