Community-Based Tree Planting as a Catalyst for an Engaged
Citizenry: PHS Tree Tenders
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Mission The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society motivates people
to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community
through horticulture.
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Tree Planting Programs
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Since 2005, more than $4.5 million in State, City and private
funding has been allocated to tree planting PHS Tree Planting
Funds: 2005 - 2012
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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
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Riparian Planting Locations for 2012-2013
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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)
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PHS Tree Tenders Annual Enrollment: 2005 - 2012
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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
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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
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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
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Resources: Bulk Tree Purchases Tree Pit Cuts Tool Libraries
Handbooks, DVDs, Videos
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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
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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