Community-Based Tree Planting as a Catalyst for an Engaged Citizenry: PHS Tree Tenders

Mission The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society motivates people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture.

Tree Planting Programs

Since 2005, more than $4.5 million in State, City and private funding has been allocated to tree planting PHS Tree Planting Funds:

TreeVitalize: Riparian Planting Public / Private partnership: DCNR, DEP, William Penn Foundation, Aqua PA, Philadelphia Eagles, PECO, and US Forest Service $4.74 million allocated to SE Pennsylvania since 2004 Partnering with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the four County Conservation Districts and Stroud Center for implementation Providing mini-grants to municipalities and watershed associations: 457 acres reforested since 2005

Riparian Planting Locations for

Established in 1993 Goal : Educate citizens to plant and care for trees, increasing neighborhood greening capacity and community engagement Over 3,000 trees planted each year by more than 4,000 Tree Tenders from over 250 SE PA neighborhoods (about half are residents of Philadelphia)

PHS Tree Tenders Annual Enrollment:

Tree Tenders Courses: 3- part, 9- hour training Three to four offerings per year in Philadelphia at PHS At least four offerings per year in counties surrounding Philadelphia Online webinar training in partnership with DCNR and Penn State Cooperative Extension

Our Recipe for Building Capacity and Fostering Civic Engagement  3-parts Tree Knowledge  1 part Volunteer Management  1-part Partnership Development  A spoonful of Politics  A dash of Media Savvy

Topics: Benefits of Trees Tree Biology Tree Identification Tree Health Evaluation Urban Tree Stressors Proper Tree Selection Tree Planting Tree Care and Proper Pruning Advocacy

Resources: Bulk Tree Purchases Tree Pit Cuts Tool Libraries Handbooks, DVDs, Videos

Continuing Education/Engagement: How to Organize Community Tree Plantings Working with Youth Tree Health Seminars Pruning Clubs Tree Checkers Linkages to Other PHS Programs/Events

“…Thanks for providing the catalyst to get my civic association moving again… as a result of the Tree Tenders program the neighbors were energized to reorganize! Isabel Pilling, Philadelphia “…One of the things I like about planting trees is that it makes me feel like I belong somewhere.” 10 year old foster child in North Philadelphia

Building Capacity and Fostering Civic Engagement

Nancy Goldenberg Senior Vice President, Programs & Planning