FOR LANDOWNERS AND FARMERS

I want less than 25 trees and have not been able to be matched with a partner. Do I not qualify for free trees from this program?

It is an exciting time in the world for tree restoration. In Pennsylvania, tree restoration goals are very specifically tied to core goals focused around clean water. With this goal in mind, most of our trees go to landowners requesting a minimum of 25 or more trees where we can see great impacts on cleaning our air and water. I am sorry that your request does not qualify for our program at this time. However, there are still many resources available to you if you’re looking for trees:

• You can sign up for our e-mail list to receive information about our twice annual tree giveaway in Duncannon, PA.
• You can purchase trees from your county conservation district or other partners.
• You can purchase seedlings in the spring from the PA Game Commission.
• You can find native tree nurseries in your region.

Thank you again for taking interest in improving your land and water through planting native trees

I live outside the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Do I qualify for free trees? Will it take longer for me to get trees?

Thank you for your interest in planting trees! Due to the large number of inquiries we have received for free trees we prioritize tree requests based on highest priority regions. This may mean your request may take longer compared to others and that you may not receive your requested trees immediately; it may take several seasons to receive all of your trees. Please submit a landowner inquiry and we will forward your request to our technical assistance provider for your county. In the meantime, here is some info on our program

There does not seem to be a partner in my region. What can I do?

We encourage you to reach out directly to your county conservation district to see if they may be interested in working with you to identify ways in which trees could be a benefit to your property and if they have any programs that may support the conservation work you are seeking to do on your property. You may find information about your county conservation district here. You may also consider these options for securing trees:

• You can sign up for our e-mail list to receive information about our twice annual tree giveaway in Duncannon, PA.
• You can purchase trees from your county conservation district or other partners.
• You can purchase seedlings in the spring from the PA Game Commission.
• You can find native tree nurseries in your region.

What sizes are the trees I will receive? Are they bare-root or containerized?

In the fall, we offer containerized trees, and in the spring we offer both bare-root and containerized. For more information on the differences between them, refer to our brochure.

FOR PARTNERS

Is there a minimum number of trees I need to request?

Our trees come in flats of 25 trees, and we expect orders to be at least 5o trees. However, as a partner, you have the freedom to decide how many trees you require a landowner to take to make the project worthwhile.

After I’ve placed my tree order, are trees delivered or do I need to pick them up?

You must pick trees up from your local staging district. However, if you order over 1,000 trees we offer direct delivery. More information on dates and timing is communicated through email. You will also be Partners expected to unload plant orders from the delivery trucks as we have limited logistics support staff.

Throughout the season: Please read your emails from Erin carefully and always request a receipt of your original tree request submission.

Am I responsible for plating trees at the homeowners’ properties?

It depends on your region, time availability, the # of volunteers you have available to call upon, and your expectations. You can do as much or as little as you want. You can provide training to homeowners on how to plant their trees or you can help them organize volunteers for their plantings. Many districts tell the landowners where to pick up their trees and it’s up to the landowners to get them in the ground. Our website offers tree planting videos and instructions here.

Are tree shelters/stakes included for free?

Tree shelters and stakes can be requested with free trees as a full package only, but shelters and stakes cannot be requested by themselves. You do need to pick up supplies from one of our 3 locations.

What do I do with the tree container flats and containers?

Please return them back to CBF staff when you see them at staging/delivery sites or return them to the bins at the Marietta and Duncannon warehouses.

How will I know when to request trees and are they “free”?

Prior to every spring and fall season, you will receive link to request grant funded native trees for your projects. If it’s close to January or July and you have not received an email please contact evia@cbf.org for a link AND check your spam folder. Yes, the trees are “free,” however you will be required to provide the proper vetting of landowners, education to landowners, and responsible for ensuring that trees are tracked in the Tree Tracker to meet our grant requirements. View our Spring tree request training here.

I am overwhelmed by the landowner response in my region–what do I do?

We understand the concern with the massive #s of landowner inquiries coming in. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Do you know of any other partners in the region that it may be best for us to send referrals to if it’s becoming too much? We are always happy to look at expanding more partners in the region.
2. It’s perfectly appropriate to send landowners a mass email to let them know that you are busy in the field for the current season and will get back to them in a few weeks, months, for next tree planning.
3. The most important thing is that landowners have some expectation/timeline of when you will reach out to them, even if it’s not for months.
4. If there’s a better way for us to support you while we are getting through this backlog of landowner inquiries please let us know.

FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES

What is the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership?

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is a collaborative effort of over 215 national, regional, state, and local agencies, conservation organizations, outdoors enthusiasts, businesses, and citizens committed to improving Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and ecology. The effort is coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. 

Why have the partnership?

The importance of trees and tree planting is not a new concept. However, most programs and projects designed to restore trees to priority landscapes have been fragmented in size and scale. In order to plant the number of trees necessary to improve our communities, economy, and ecology, we need an effort that comprehensively approaches the availability of native trees, the capacity to plant and maintain them, and the landowners willing to accept and nurture them. A broad and diverse partnership is key to this approach.

Who are the partners?

Everyone in Pennsylvania who cares about cleaning up its rivers and streams and wants to be part of this movement to plant trees can partner in some capacity. Conservation organizations, outdoors enthusiasts, businesses, volunteers, and individuals are joining the ranks and making a long-term commitment to reduce water pollution across the Commonwealth. Organizations who want to officially join the movement as a restoration partner, sponsor, and/or advocate can learn how to become a partner here.

Why plant trees?

No matter where you live—on a farm, in the suburbs, or in a city—trees are a vital part of your quality of life. They supply oxygen, enrich our soil, purify our air and water, reduce flooding, provide recreation, increase property values, and so much more. This site provides just a snippet of the vast benefits trees provide. 

Why 10 Million Trees?

As of 2016, Pennsylvania’s Clean Water Blueprint called for roughly an additional 96,000 acres of new streamside forests, or riparian forest buffers, to be planted. That equates to about 8.5 million new trees at the average density per acre recommended by restoration specialists. Adding street trees, planting on abandoned and legacy mine land, and other priority landscapes rounded our total up to 10 million. 

The additional 96,000 acres of streamside buffers will provide incredible pollution-reduction benefits. Reductions from agricultural landscapes alone would include more than:  

• 4.6 million pounds of nitrogen reductions; 
• 22.2 million pounds of sediment reductions; and 
• 43,000 pounds of phosphorus reductions.

What types of trees will be planted?

Native tree species are preferred and support natural ecosystems by providing habitat and food for birds, mammals, and insects. More than 130 native tree species grow across Pennsylvania. Popular types include the oak, hickory, maple, dogwood, red bud, sycamore, and honey-locust.

How can I get involved?

Fill out our contact form or call 717-562-1431 to become a partner in the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership or schedule a tree planting. View the Planting Events Map, to join the effort and volunteer for a planting near you.