Volunteers plant trees on Market Street in Allison Hill
What better way to celebrate Arbor Day in Harrisburg than by planting some trees?
On Friday, volunteers planted trees along Market Street, between Cameron and 15th streets, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the holiday.
“This is the city of Harrisburg’s way of showing support for our community and celebrating Arbor Day,” said Dave Baker, director of parks and recreation for the city, at a press conference.
A new cherry tree planted on Market Street
On Friday and Saturday, volunteers will plant nearly 50 trees, mostly cherry, along the corridor. In March, the city removed around 30 dead and dying trees from the street with help from Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL), who donated their services.
The city received a $21,500 grant from the Arbor Day Foundation and the United Parcel Service’s (UPS) “Planet Protection Program,” to assist with its efforts. Several UPS employees volunteered at the tree planting on Friday, as well.
The National Recovery Agency also pitched in, by donating $1,000 for a future tree planting.
At the press event, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) awarded Harrisburg, for the 30th time, the designation of Tree City USA in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation.
Earlier this month, the city also planted 17 trees along Vernon Street between 13th and 17th streets.
“These trees add a tremendous amount to a community,” said Ellen Roane, city forester. “They’re environmental workhorses.
Besides beautifying a neighborhood, Roane said that street trees better the environment, increase property values and can even encourage business.
A tree planting volunteer, Shelly Page, summed it up best.
“The world needs more trees,” she said, at Friday’s event.
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