Growing Equity: Expanding Tree Canopy Across the Commonwealth

Not all communities in Pennsylvania enjoy the same access to tree canopy. In many Environmental Justice (EJ) areas, residents experience the effects of limited green space every day—higher summer temperatures, more frequent flooding, and poorer air quality. These environmental stressors not only impact the natural landscape but also affect public health and overall quality of life.

An Environmental Justice area is a geographic area classified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection wherein residents face a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards and negative health impacts, often due to systemic inequalities. Often, these areas are characterized by higher pollution levels, proximity to polluting industries, and a lack of access to environmental amenities (green spaces), leading to increased health risks and social vulnerability.

TreePennsylvania's Environmental Justice Forests (EJ Forests) Grant Program was designed to address this disparity head-on. The program provides resources for targeted tree plantings in EJ communities while also equipping residents with the skills and knowledge to care for and sustain their urban forests. By combining tree equity with community capacity building, the EJ Forests program ensures that environmental benefits last for generations.

A Multi-Year, Collaborative Effort

Launched as a multi-phase, multi-year initiative, TreePennsylvania's EJ Forests Grant Program has three central goals:

• Expand tree canopy in EJ communities to improve tree equity scores.
• Provide Tree Tender training for local residents and leaders.
• Support sustainable forestry practices through expert technical assistance.

Partnership is central to this effort. TreePennsylvania works in coordination with Penn State Extension Urban Foresters and PA DCNR Service Foresters, combining statewide expertise with local knowledge to ensure that each planting meets the unique needs of the community. Together, the program addresses critical issues such as climate resiliency, stormwater reduction, water quality improvement, and the urban heat island effect, while also creating healthier, more livable neighborhoods.

Program Implementation

TreePennsylvania's Grant Committee, comprised of experts in the field of community and urban forestry, carefully selected eight grant recipients from across the Commonwealth:

• The Town of Bloomsburg (Columbia County)
• Downtown York LLC (York County)
• City of Easton (Northampton County)
• Kingston Borough (Luzerne County)
• Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (Erie County)
• City of Meadville (Crawford County)
• City of Scranton (Lackawanna County)
• Upper Macungie Borough (Lehigh County)

After selecting and preparing planting sites, grantee communities began their tree planting efforts in Spring 2025, with more plantings scheduled for fall 2025. In total, these projects will result in the planting of over 1,000 trees, bringing shade, beauty, and cleaner air to communities that need them most.

The community's financial investment is equally significant, and each grantee must provide a 1:1 match amount to their grant award. Approximately $121,440 in anticipated grant funds will directly support tree purchases and plantings. An additional $30,060 is earmarked for vital site preparation, including invasive species removal, stump grinding, and soil work—important groundwork that helps ensure trees are not only planted, but also thrive.

Beyond Planting: Empowering People

While tree plantings are highly visible, another important outcome of the EJ Forests Grant Program is the empowerment of community members themselves. Through this grant, an estimated 150 to 175 individuals will complete Tree Tender training, a program that provides hands-on skills in tree planting, care, and advocacy.

By equipping residents with this knowledge, TreePennsylvania ensures that trees receive proper care long after the planting season is over. Just as importantly, it builds a network of local champions who can continue to advocate for urban forestry, support future planting efforts, and inspire their neighbors to get involved.

Looking Forward

The Environmental Justice Forests Grant Program is more than a tree planting initiative—it is an investment in healthier, more resilient communities. By addressing environmental inequities, strengthening climate resilience, and empowering residents, the program creates lasting change that extends far beyond the trees themselves.

For more information about TreePennsylvania and their grant program, visit their website or reach out via email.