A previous Penn State plant fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Penn State Extension.
Central Pennsylvanians can “plant it forward” this upcoming season.
Penn State’s seventh annual Master Watershed Steward Program will hold its native tree and shrub sale this fall.
The sale’s proceeds will go toward funding local Master Watershed Steward volunteer initiatives, such as youth education programs, tree plantings, and stream rehabilitation projects.
This year’s fundraiser includes 23 indigenous tree and shrub types, including the popular pawpaw and persimmon, as well as one native woody vine species.
According to Penn State, native plants offer many perks to local communities, including environmental, social and economic benefits. Native plants, trees and shrubs enhance water and air quality, decrease stormwater runoff and pollution and improve nearby surroundings.
One-gallon pots of trees and shrubs will cost $25, two-gallon pots are $35, and three-gallon pots cost $45. Species sold in 1-, 2- and 3-gallon pots will be offered in discounted bundles of three. This year, two species will be offered at a discounted price, as container seedlings and bundles of five will cost $50.
Curbside pickup is available in September and October, and Master Watershed Stewards will take orders until Aug. 25 or until supplies run out.
Additionally, the program will host the “Proper Native Tree Planting for Long-Term Success” webinar on Sept. 2 from 12 to 1:30 p.m., for anyone looking for guidance on how to properly plant and manage a new tree.The webinar is complimentary to tree sale customers and $5 for non-customers.
During this webinar, participants will learn how to pick planting sites and care for native trees and shrubs to guarantee successful growth, with an emphasis on containerized species in the 2026 native tree and shrub sale. Customers can register for the webinar online. Individuals must register to receive access to the live or recorded webinar.
A healthy specimen at pickup is guaranteed by Master Watershed Stewards. After tree collection, there are no warranties or refunds due to variances in planting, site circumstances, and maintenance.
The program offers pickup locations in the following counties: Adams, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Centre, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Franklin, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, McKean, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Tioga, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York.
All orders can be placed by phone at 877-345-0691 or online. For more information, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/native-tree-sale.
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