Summer fades away and a new season begins. The neighborhood transforms as brilliant fall leaves adorn our trees. Trees not only look great in the fall, they provide shade in the summer and help reduce storm water runoff in the city.

Like most people in our community, you probably wish there were more beautiful trees lining your street. In October, we will begin planting the first of more than 160 street trees. We could use your help! All you need is a good shovel and a couple of hours on Saturday, October 17th. 

For nearly a year, Neighbors United has worked with Kristen Thomas, a local resident, Pennsylvania Master Naturalist trainee and member of LCC Urban Greening, and others who are interested in making NE Lancaster City a greener place. Her team took an inventory of vacant locations in our neighborhood that at one time had a shade tree (you can see the stumps or holes) and areas where there was no shade at all. Working with the Lancaster City Arborist, they researched trees that were a good fit for the neighborhood, making recommendations based on proximity to power lines and personal preference. With help from the Lancaster City Alliance, they also discovered funding and secured sponsors for the project. Finally, they went door-to-door informing residents when there were good locations in front of their homes. 

Alongside Kristen's efforts, Fritz Schroeder, Director of Urban Greening at the Lancaster County Conservancy, held an informative seminar last spring to educate the community on the benefits of greening the neighborhood to reduce storm water runoff.

There are over 160 locations in our neighborhood that would benefit from a street tree. Did you know that a single tree can prevent 3440 gallons of water from entering our city's combined sewer system each year? In addition, trees provide shade, reduce heating and cooling costs, improve air quality, reduce noise and increase property values. Imagine what 160 trees could do!

Thanks to the support of UGI, TreeVitalize, the Lancaster Rotary and The Lancaster County Conservancy of Urban Greening, along with the PA Master Naturalist program, the Lancaster City Alliance and Neighbors United, we will reap the benefits of a greener neighborhood soon!

VOLUNTEER!
Northeast Lancaster City - Street Tree Planting
Sponsoring organization is the Lancaster County Conservancy working with Pennsylvania Master Naturalists Stewardship Project and Neighbors United

When: Saturday, October 17
Location: Ross Street United Methodist Church, 312 East Ross Street, Lancaster City
Time: 8:30 am start / 1:00 pm (approximate finish)
Goal: Plant 28 Street Trees
Tasks: The city will have already removed the concrete and done an initial planting site preparation. The volunteers will be digging out soil, placing the tree, watering, adding mulch and staking the tree.

Please, contact Andrew Whalen if you can help!