PALMER TWP., Pa. — Fifteen trees, all native species, were awarded to the township as part of an effort to increase tree canopy in urban areas of Pennsylvania.
“This grant is a significant milestone for Palmer Township,” said Shannon Wisniewski, chair of the township’s Shade Tree Commission, in a news release. “Being awarded these trees is not only a recognition of the commission’s dedication to enhancing our public areas, but also a testament to the township’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”
The trees were awarded through TreePennsylvania’s Bare Root Tree Grant. The statewide nonprofit, which supports urban and community forestry to increase tree coverage, offers two grant terms per year, spring and fall.
This most recent fall term, the group awarded more than 780 trees across the commonwealth, according to the organization’s website.
“These trees will provide important ecological benefits including improved air quality, reduced heat island effects, enhanced wildlife habitats and address other environmental sustainability efforts,” Wisniewski said. “We are thankful to TreePennsylvania and are looking forward to hopefully working with them again in the future.”
The township’s Parks and Public Works departments collaborated to plant all 15 trees in Fox Run Park, 1295 Van Buren Road, and along the Palmer-Bethlehem Township bikeway behind Anthony Court.
Officials said they plan to apply for the award’s upcoming spring term.
