FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Cavey, Program Director TreePennsylvania jessica@treepennsylvania.org 717-599-8650 www.treepennsylvania.org
Grant-Funded Trees to Be Distributed Across Pennsylvania in Early April to Support Urban and Community Forestry Efforts
Improving Public Health, Environmental Quality, and Economic Vitality through Tree Planting
[Harrisburg, PA] — April 01, 2025 — In early April, Pennsylvania will see the distribution of over 1,200 grant-funded bare root trees to 50 diverse communities across the Commonwealth. This initiative, spearheaded by TreePennsylvania and in collaboration with PA’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the U.S. Forest Service, and Penn State University Extension, underscores the importance of urban and community forestry for a sustainable future.
The trees, funded through TreePennsylvania’s dual seasonal Bare Root Tree Grant program and the Pennsylvania Environmental Justice Forests grant program, assist to enhance Pennsylvania’s urban landscapes and will be planted in parks, public spaces, schools, and other community centers throughout the Commonwealth. This initiative highlights the vital role that urban forests play in improving public health, combating climate change, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The distribution is set to take place at delivery hubs throughout PA the week of April 7th with grantee communities picking up their trees.
Why Urban and Community Forestry Matter
Urban forests — including trees planted along streets, in parks, and within other public spaces — provide invaluable benefits to cities and towns through the reduction of air and water pollution, improving mental and physical health outcomes, and providing shade which combats urban heat island effect. Additionally, trees in urban environments increase property values, enhance aesthetic appeal, and create more livable spaces for residents.
Grantees of both the Bare Root Tree Grant program and the PA’s Environmental Justice Forest program utilize volunteers and municipal staff to plant, water, and maintain grant-funded trees. Active participation of local residents fosters a sense of community, ownership and pride, while contributing to stronger and more resilient communities. These trees will not only beautify neighborhoods but also serve as a long-term investment in the health and sustainability of
Pennsylvania’s urban and community areas. With more than 70% of Pennsylvania’s population living in urban areas, the impacts of trees in these spaces cannot be overstated.
A Call to Action for Elected Officials and the Media
Local elected officials and media outlets are invited to visit a delivery site to meet with grantees within their community and learn more about how TreePennsylvanina’s grant programs are impacting their residents. Likewise, we encourage local officials, environmental groups, and residents to reach out to TreePennsylvania grantees and learn more about volunteer opportunities related to tree plantings, watering, or care for grant-funded trees.
By fostering greener, more sustainable urban environments, we can ensure that Pennsylvania remains a thriving, vibrant place for future generations.
About TreePennsylvania
TreePennsylvania, Pennsylvania’s Urban and Community Forestry Council, is a private non-profit organization dedicated to increasing tree canopy across the Commonwealth through our grant and scholarship programs. We work in partnership with government agencies, environmental groups, and local communities to improve urban and community forests across Pennsylvania, making our cities and towns greener, healthier, and more resilient. Funding for TreePennsylvania’s Bare Root Tree Grant Program, as well as the PA Environmental Justice Forest Grant Program, is made possible with grants from PA DCNR and the U.S. Forest Service.
For more information about the upcoming deliveries, locations of delivery hubs, or for a list of grantees, please contact Jessica Cavey, Program Director – 717-599-8650.
Media Contact: Jessica Cavey, Program Director TreePennsylvania 717-599-8650 jessica@treepennsylvania.org treepennsylvania.org