Have a riparian buffer project in mind, or just want to get more trees in the ground across your community? Here is a no-cost way to do it. PA IPL (Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light) is rolling out a tree equity program called Roots, Branches, and Hands, and the tree request form opens soon.
The program provides free trees to plant, distribute, and share with neighbors, and it is open to just about everyone. Organizations, individuals, community groups, and neighborhood associations, both faith-based and non-faith affiliated, are all welcome to submit a request.
What to know before you request
- Most of the available trees come with specific eligibility parameters, so it is worth attending a session before you submit.
- The tree order form and a volunteer guide launch Monday, June 8.
- The deadline to request trees is Wednesday, July 15.
Webinar and office hours
PA IPL is hosting an information session and office hours to walk through the form and answer questions, all led by tree program manager Dominique London.
- Information session: Friday, June 5 at noon. Includes early access to the form.
- Office hours: Thursday, June 11, 6 to 7 pm
- Office hours: Friday, July 10, 12 to 1 pm
A natural fit for our watersheds
Trees along streambanks are one of the simplest and most effective tools for protecting water quality. Riparian buffers shade and cool the water, hold soil in place, filter runoff before it reaches the stream, and create habitat for fish and wildlife. For partners across the Upper Ohio River Basin working on buffer plantings or community greening, a free source of trees is a real head start.
