Earth Day will be celebrated internationally on April 22. In the days leading up to the event, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) will lead an effort to plant trees throughout the Greater Philadelphia area from April 19 to 21. Alongside over 75 PHS Tree Tenders groups and with some help from neighborhood volunteers and community organizations, over 1,100 trees are expected to be planted the weekend of the 19th through the 21st.
PHS promotes healthier, greener communities across the Philadelphia area, often by increasing the region’s “tree canopy,” and this semi-annual initiative is a great help toward that cause, but what does that even mean?
Effectively, it refers to the amount of land shaded by trees. According to PHS, this has several scientifically proven benefits, including: “improving health and well-being outcomes in communities, including leading to a decline in heat-related illnesses and lower rates of violence.”
The PHS also has some helpful information on where Philadelphia is versus where it should be regarding tree canopy: “A healthy tree canopy coverage is thought to be 30% of the total land area. The city of Philadelphia only has 20% coverage overall, and in certain neighborhoods, tree canopy is as low as 2.5%. These startlingly low figures have prompted PHS to commit to increasing tree canopy throughout the region, especially in areas with few trees and higher than average temperatures.”
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is currently looking for volunteers willing to help participate in the distribution of trees, which will take place from April 16 through 19. To sign up to volunteer during a Tree Distribution Day, visit phs.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/phstrees.
If you would like to help plant the trees, volunteers are welcome, and no experience is necessary. PHS Tree Tenders group leaders will be present at all planting sites to guide and encourage volunteers.
Visit phsonline.org/tree to sign up for a planting event near you.
