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Learn how to plant a tree with TreeVitalize

Consumers can help offset the pollution that leads to a warmer climate by learning how to plant and care for a tree this fall, said DCNR Acting Secretary John Quigley. The classes are a part of TreeVitalize, a partnership to restore tree cover in the 14 metropolitan areas in Pennsylvania.

“In addition to making our homes and communities look attractive, trees clean the air and store carbon dioxide. They also help conserve energy by providing shade and wind breaks, help manage stormwater and studies have shown that street trees enhance property values,” Quigley said. “Planting and caring for a tree is a simple act that can help.”

During nine hours of Tree Tenders® training, participants will learn about tree biology, identification, pruning and root care, as well as how to raise funds, manage volunteers, and work with local government.

“Pennsylvania has seen the loss of millions of trees in our urban and suburban areas, and we each have a role to play if we want to turn that around,” Quigley said. “Many urban street trees die within the first seven years of planting. The classes will help teach people how to help our new tree investments to survive.”

The Tree Tenders® training program was developedby the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in collaboration with Penn State Extension Urban Foresters in the Philadelphia area. It is now being offered in all 14 metropolitan areas of the state, with instruction provided by DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, in partnership with PHS, Penn State, and other local urban forestry experts.

Students are expected to volunteer time to community tree planting projects in exchange for the training.

DCNR spearheads the TreeVitalize project with many public and private partners. The program works to revitalize urban areas by increasing tree cover with a goal of 1 million new trees planted statewide by 2012. Already, more than 100,000 trees have been planted. Tree cover refers to the percentage of land shaded by trees and shrubs.

Registration for all classes is required. Classes are being held in Pittsburgh; Leesport, Berks County; City of Chester, Delaware County; City of Lebanon; Borough of Dauphin, Dauphin County ; Williamsport, Lycoming County; and the City of Philadelphia. For a full schedule and to register, visit the TreeVitalize Web site and look under “Events.”

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September 9, 2009



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