Philadelphia –  Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) announced open registration for the Spring 2018 TreePhilly Yard Tree Giveaways. The giveaways, hosted in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and TD Bank, are open to Philadelphia property owners to obtain and plant a free tree in a yard or lawn on private property.  Registration is open through April 8th, 2018, and a variety of species are available, including large shade trees, small flowering trees, and fruit trees.

“Increasing Philadelphia’s tree canopy is essential to increasing the quality of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Kenney. “Which is why I am inviting Philadelphia homeowners to help us improve our city’s air and water quality by planting a free TreePhilly yard tree on their property. We cannot reach our goals of increasing the tree canopy in all our neighborhoods without their help.”

TreePhilly connects Philadelphia property owners, businesses, and neighbors with the resources they need to plant and care for trees. TreePhilly’s efforts are in direct response to the City of Philadelphia’s sustainability goal to increase tree canopy coverage to 30% in all neighborhoods, so everyone can benefit from the increase shade, cleaner air and water, and beauty that trees provide.

“Through our partnership with TreePhilly, TD Bank is proud to support the city’s efforts to expand its urban tree canopy, which helps capture carbon emissions, beautifies neighborhoods and enhances the quality of life for all Philadelphians,”  said Joe Doolan, TD Bank’s Head of Environmental Affairs. “Everyone who plants a tree through this program is contributing to the health of the environment and their hometown.”

Residents are encouraged to pre-register to pick up their free yard tree at the Treephilly signature giveaway event at the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center. The three (3) other giveaway events across the city will accept walk-ins (sites and dates below). Detailed information on all available species can be found at www.treephilly.org, and participants can choose their species when they register online or over the phone. Participants will also receive a tree planting and care demonstration provided by tree experts, free mulch, and educational materials.

“TD Bank’s enthusiasm and support of TreePhilly continues to help this program thrive, improving the quality of life for current and future generations of Philadelphians,” said Jamie Gauthier, Executive Director of Fairmount Park Conservancy.

The citywide yard tree giveaway events and locations are as follows:

TreePhilly signature event:
Sat. April 14th, 11am to 1pm
Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center
700 Cobbs Creek Parkway, 19143
registration encouraged

Pop-up giveaways, first come, first served:
Parkway Central Library, partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia
Wed. April 4th, 11am to 1pm
1901 Vine St. 19103

Arbrew Day, partnership with Yards Brewing Co.
Fri. April 20^th, 5-7pm
Devil’s Den – 1148 South 11th St. 19147
Dawson Street Pub – 100 Dawson St. 19127
Frankford Hall – 1210 Frankford Ave. 19125
London Grill – 2301 Fairmount Ave. 19130
Grey Lodge – 6235 Frankford Ave. 19135
Whole Foods Market Center City – 2101 Pennsylvania Ave. 19130
Whole Foods Market South Street – 929 South St. 19147

PPR also announced the winners of the Spring 2018 Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grants (see below). In addition to the citywide giveaway events listed above, the following community groups will host yard tree events in their neighborhoods this spring. Grantees will receive 25, 50 or 100 trees from TreePhilly, as well as a reimbursement grant. Dates, times, and registration information for these community events will be announced soon.

Make the World Better
Associated Polish Home
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Friends of Heinz Wildlife Refuge, Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition, & Audubon Pennsylvania
Dickinson Square West Civic Association
Penn State Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter, & SHARE Food Programs
PowerCorpsPHL
Plumer & Associates, Inc.
Holmesburg Civic Association & Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion
Muslim Youth Center of Philadelphia
Zion Pentecostal Church of God & Community Development Corporation
Nueva Esperanza, Inc. & Wyoming Branch Library
Frankford Community Development Corporation
Somerton Civic Association & MaST Community Charter School

And again this year, residents with limited mobility can apply for free yard tree delivery and planting. Space for this service is limited and residents are encouraged to apply early by contacting TreePhilly at 215-683-0217, treephilly@phila.gov or by visiting www.treephilly.org.

There are several ways citizens can get involved with TreePhilly, including planting and caring for trees on their property, volunteering for a tree planting event in their local park, or sponsoring community service days to plant and maintain trees. For more information, visit www.treephilly.org or call 215-683-0217.

Fairmount Park Conservancy exists to champion Philadelphia’s parks. We lead capital projects and historic preservation efforts, foster neighborhood park stewardship, attract and leverage investments, and develop innovative programs throughout the 10,200 acres that include Fairmount Park and more than 100 neighborhood parks around the city. Philadelphia has one of the largest urban park systems in the world, providing residents with extensive health, environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits – including access to some of the region’s most famous attractions. For more information, please visit myphillypark.org, join us at facebook.com/fairmountparkconservancy, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @myphillypark.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her people through intentional and sustained stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues, and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.