PA Plants Native!
Together, we can heal our communities and the planet
Our PA Plants Native network planted a quarter of a million no-cost native trees across Pennsylvania! The funding for this program has sunset, but we’re not stopping anytime soon! Check out our Roots, Branches, & Hands program for the latest updates about our work to plant trees. This webpage is here to serve as an archive for this program. We also invite you to explore the video and storymap we’ve created to celebrate what we accomplished together!
Welcome to PA Plants Native! A program of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Our mission is to help plant as many native trees and shrubs as possible in Pennsylvania with a special focus on mobilizing planters who don’t have access to typical planting programs.
What is the project?
PA Plants Native! is a program of Pennsylvania interfaith Power & Light. The program seeks to empower ordinary people to take action to heal our planet by building community, providing access to native trees, and encouraging volunteerism. It was part of the 10 Million Trees for PA project which had a goal to plant 10 million trees in Pennsylvania by 2025.
Where does it reach?
We get trees to planters through a decentralized network of volunteer hosts. We have committed network hosts in 20 Pennsylvania counties and have reached program participants in an additional 35 counties. This represents 85% coverage of the state’s 67 counties. One in three of our distribution sites is located (or adjacent to) an area that has been significantly impacted by climate change and/or legacy pollution.
Our network included over 30 distribution locations that are a mixture of primary (direct delivery) and secondary (host pick up) distribution sites. You can view some of our past distribution locations here.
Who is it for?
Our program is designed for people who want to request at least one native tree to plant (and up to as many as you’d like!) – either in their backyard, on acreage they own, their congregational or community space, or on public lands (with permission). We have a particular focus on reaching rural and urban communities who experience disproportionate impacts of environmental injustice or would otherwise have a more difficult time accessing quality and affordable native trees.
Why does it matter?
Planting native trees and shrubs improves water quality, increases habitat for wildlife, supports pollinators, and supports healthier communities. Trees provide shade and cooling benefits. They can also act as a food source for humans and animals. Tree equity is an important indicator of community wellbeing. The best tree is the one already planted; the second best is the one you plant today!
Planting native trees and shrubs helps support our wildlife and waterways. It also has human impacts too – cleaner air, lowering air temperatures, and acting as carbon sinks in our communities. Some native trees and shrubs are food sources for people, too! Why native species matter.
Climate change doesn’t impact all communities in the same ways – that is an injustice. Tree equity is the process by which people and systems seek to improve outcomes in vulnerable communities by planting trees to practice equity and justice. To learn what your neighborhood’s tree score is, you can visit this map.
Indigenous peoples have a long history of stewarding the lands of the region now known as Pennsylvania. When we care for these lands, we are stepping into relationship with the waters, lands, and its original peoples. You can learn on which Indigenous lands you reside here.
Learn About TreePhilly!
TreePhilly is a program of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy helping Philadelphia residents plant and care for trees. TreePhilly strives to reach 30% tree canopy coverage in every Philadelphia neighborhood. They help local residents connect with the resources they need to plant and care for the Philadelphia urban forest.
To request promotion of a tree planting event related to PA Plants Native! please contact info@paipl.org and include location, date/time, and contact information.
To submit a report of trees planted or to share your experience (we love pictures, stories, and reflections!), please complete this form.
Planter’s Commitment
I understand by making a request through PA Plants Native!, I am becoming part of a diverse and interfaith community of planters and volunteers encompassing many identities and backgrounds. As such, I agree to behave respectfully and responsibly in all communications and interactions. I acknowledge the value and labor offered to make this program available to me at no cost. I will give as I am able (by donation, volunteering, sharing, etc). I commit to picking up, planting, and tending to trees and shrubs provided at or near the address I provide. I understand I may be asked to leave or be unable to continue participation in the program if these guidelines are not followed.
Photo Credit Rock Hollow
Partners
Our thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation along with the following partners who help make this program possible: Organizations – Cranaleith Spiritual Center, Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Allegheny County Department of Parks; Congregations – Solomon’s United Church of Christ, Friedens Church, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, University Mennonite Church, Trinity Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, Unitarian Universalist of Harrisburg, Petersburg Church of the Nazarene
We are grateful to Greg Williams for his years of volunteer leadership in this program, and we give thanks for Ruth Douglas who serves as current volunteer Creation Care Coordinator. We are exceptionally grateful for all the additional host and site volunteers who make the distribution possible every season!
For further questions about PA Plants Native! please reach out to creationcare@paipl.org.