Fox Chapel Arbor Day Planting Event

Arbor Day 2023 Volunteer Tree Planters Wanted

In celebration of Arbor Day 2023, The Fox Chapel Borough Parks Commission, with the help of some dedicated community members, obtained 1,000 seedlings through The Keystone Ten Million Trees partnership.  The Parks Commission is seeking volunteers of all ages to plant trees with us in the morning.  All interested parties are kindly asked to sign up so we can plan accordingly (and get donuts!)  Please follow the registration link below after fully reading and understanding these details.

Register Here: https://forms.gle/L2er8KsVJE8tT4hQ6

Volunteers will meet at our staging area on Saturday, April 29th, at 10 am.  They will then be assigned a park location to which to report.  Volunteers may mingle briefly at the staging area (donuts and seedlings giveaway!) but are expected to transport themselves to their assigned park, where they will meet a Fox Chapel Borough Parks Commission member and other volunteers to begin planting seedlings that will already be on site.   Returning to the borough building after planting is not encouraged or expected.

Time commitment is up to you; most folks stay for one or two hours, sometimes less, with small children.  Even planting just a few seedlings yourself or with your family can benefit our ecosystem and provide a lasting memory and impact that you or your family can visit for years.   Directions to the designated site, planting instructions, and on-site supervision will be provided.

Limited tools will be available.  Please bring your own:

Shovel (narrow, the post-hole type is better) 

Mallet or hammer to drive support stakes into the ground.  

Gloves, appropriate dress, and footwear

Water, Insect repellant, Sunscreen

Young children may bring hand tools or just come along for the experience.  As with any outdoor expedition, please check for ticks.

This is a community event.  Donuts will be available while supplies last.  While we will not provide beverages or waste facilities (residents, please take any waste home), the borough building lobby will be open with a water fountain and bathrooms.  We can likely expect to meet other members of the Parks Commission, Garden Club, Audubon Society, and more. We will have informational literature to share as we come together to plant 1,000 new trees and shrubs in the Borough!

If you want a tree or shrub seedling to take home to plant on your property, limited supplies are available for free at our staging location.  

Volunteers may take seedlings and stakes/protective tubes upon arrival.  Volunteers must register at the link below.

Residents simply wanting seedlings should please show up around noon and are still asked to complete the registration form below so we can plan accordingly.  

Residents may be required to submit simple proof of planting, including a photo, date, address, species, and location; this is a condition of The Keystone Ten Million Trees partnership.  The seedlings are only a foot or two tall and come in a small pot; however, the protective stake and tube can be as much as five feet long.  Plan for the safe transport of your new sapling, and please heed proper care practices to ensure it succeeds in its new location.  Full sun and ample water or wetland / riparian area are critical for the species we are giving away. Please see the information provided below.  We will also provide advice at the event.

Our Borough’s tree canopy has suffered an almost 30% reduction in recent years, significantly impacting the environment.  Thank you for doing your part to help to sustain and restore our natural preserve!

Register Here: https://forms.gle/L2er8KsVJE8tT4hQ6