Philly

Sign up to plant trees from November 17-21st

PHS is planting over 1350 trees, and you can help

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and over 80 of its Tree Tenders groups are planting over 1350 trees in mid-November. The plantings will enhance tree canopies in Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Benefits of trees and a larger tree canopy (the area of land shaded by trees) include lower rates of violence and better health outcomes, like lower numbers of heat-related illness. However, the Philadelphia region’s tree canopy declined by 6% from 2008-2018, averaging only 20% tree canopy, according to a study by the City of Philadelphia and University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Lab. Some Philadelphia neighborhoods have as little as 2.5% tree coverage.

Interested volunteers can sign up for 2-3 hour shifts for the tree plantings. Proof of vaccinations are required. Volunteres are asked to bring a mask, hand sanitizer, gloves, close-toed shoes, a shovel if you have one, and a water bottle.

How to sign up:

1. Visit the Map of Fall 2021 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 link in the pop-up. 
4. Review the location, date, and time of the event. 

5. Click “Sign Up” and follow directions on how to register. 


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

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