Learn How to Plant A Tree With TreeVitalize In September, October

Consumers can help offset the pollution that leads to a warmer climate by learning how to plant and care for a tree this fall, said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Secretary John Quigley.

The classes are a part of TreeVitalize, a partnership to restore tree cover in the 14 metropolitan areas in Pennsylvania.

Classes are being held in Pittsburgh; Leesport, Berks County; City of Chester, Delaware County; City of Lebanon; Borough of Dauphin, Dauphin County ; Williamsport, Lycoming County; and the City of Philadelphia. A complete list of events is available online.

"In addition to making our homes and communities look attractive, trees clean the air and store carbon dioxide. They also help conserve energy by providing shade and wind breaks, and studies have shown that street trees enhance property values," Acting Secretary Quigley said. "Planting and caring for a tree is a simple act that can help."

During nine hours of Tree Tenders training, participants will learn about tree biology, identification, pruning and root care, as well as how to raise funds, manage volunteers, and work with local government.

"Pennsylvania has seen the loss of millions of trees in our urban and suburban areas, and we each have a role to play if we want to turn that around," Acting Secretary Quigley said. "Many urban street trees die within the first seven years of planting. The classes will help teach people how to help our new tree investments to survive."

The Tree Tenders training program, developed by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, is taught by staff from PHS and Penn State Cooperative Extension.

Students are expected to volunteer time to community tree planting projects in exchange for the training.

DCNR spearheads the TreeVitalize project with many public and private partners. The program works to revitalize urban areas by increasing tree cover with a goal of 1 million new trees planted statewide by 2012. Already, more than 100,000 trees have been planted. Tree cover refers to the percentage of land shaded by trees and shrubs.

For a full schedule and to register, visit the TreeVitalize website.