PHILADELPHIA – Today, the Department of Commerce in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation celebrated Arbor Day and announced more than 200 trees planted on commercial corridors in alignment with the Philly Tree Plan. These trees are planted in partnership with neighborhood-based organizations through community engagement efforts and maintained by the PHL Taking Care of Business Ambassadors.
“Philadelphians in zip codes across the city need equitable access to trees. The newly planted trees on commercial corridors that are being maintained by the PHL Taking Care of Business Ambassadors advance our Clean and Green Initiatives,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “As we celebrate Arbor Day today, we maintain our commitment to making Philadelphia safer, cleaner and greener with economic opportunity for all. The Parker Administration is prioritizing environmental justice by working towards carbon neutrality goals and expanding tree canopy through meaningful engagement efforts of citizens most impacted and that have been historically marginalized.”
“These new trees on commercial corridors were planted through an equity-informed prioritization scale created in the Philly Tree Plan. We are grateful for the diligent efforts of our arborists who maintain our trees and keep them healthy. In partnership with the Department of Commerce and community-based organizations in the areas that they serve, we planted these trees by engaging property owners to ensure they are beneficial and enhance their businesses,” said Susan Slawson, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner. “Arbor Day is a time of bringing everyone together as we remember that environmental justice is connected to social justice for Philadelphians across the city. It is also a day of sharing stories and celebrating the care of our urban forest as we build on ecological services.”
“The Department of Commerce is proud to partner in the transformative addition of more than 200 trees along Philadelphia’s commercial corridors. We are enhancing the beauty and attractiveness of our neighborhoods, which benefit businesses, residents, and visitors alike,” said Alba Martinez, Commerce Director, City of Philadelphia. “I am immensely proud of the dedication of our PHL TCB Ambassadors, who are true champions of environmental stewardship and litter reduction. They will maintain these trees, ensuring these new green spaces flourish.”
The trees are planted along specific blocks within commercial corridors with the guidance, insights and collaborative public engagement efforts of community-based organizations through the PHL Taking Care of Business Clean Corridors Program, as listed below:
- ACHIEVEability
- Global Thinking Initiatives, Inc.
- African Cultural Alliance of North America
- HACE Community Development Corporation
- Centennial Parkside Community Development Corporation
- Nueva Esperanza Housing and Economic Development Corporation
The newly planted trees are located on the following commercial corridor blocks:
- 1-199 S 60th Street, 1-100 N 60th Street and 200-699 S 60th Street
- 5400-5599 Chester Avenue and 5500-6199 Woodland Avenue
- 2600-2999 N 5th Street and 3000-3299 N Front Street
- 4000-4099 W Girard Avenue and 1100-1199 N 40th Street
- 100- 499 W Wyoming Avenue
“We are grateful for the newly planted trees in our community. The addition of green space has brought a sense of life and beautification to our corridor,” said Addelin Ceballos, Assistant Business District Manager, HACE Community Development Corporation. “It is an important step towards creating a healthier environment for all of us to enjoy. Thank you to Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Philadelphia Department of Commerce and all dignitaries involved for your efforts in making this possible.”
These newly planted trees and maintenance efforts are funded by the William Penn Foundation, Deeply Rooted, Urban Health Lab at Penn Medicine Center for Health Justice, Department of Commerce, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation USA. The Overbrook Environmental Education Center provides the environmental training to support the stewardship and tree maintenance efforts of PHL Taking Care of Business Ambassadors.
Photos from Arbor Day Celebration and Press Conference available here.
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The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that increase educational opportunities for children from low-income families, ensure a sustainable environment, provide inclusive and equitable public spaces and arts and culture experiences, and advance philanthropy in the Philadelphia region. Learn more at www.williampennfoundation.org.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, and management of 500 recreation buildings, 166 miles of trail, and 250 playgrounds. PPR offers safe, enjoyable recreation, environmental and cultural programs and events throughout Philadelphia’s parks and recreation system. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. Visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
The Department of Commerce is the economic catalyst for the City of Philadelphia. Commerce helps businesses thrive and increases economic opportunity for all. We help drive inclusive economic growth by investing in businesses, commercial areas and local organizations citywide. Commerce also builds workforce development strategies that connect talent to growth industries and to jobs that pay family-sustaining wages. The Department of Commerce attracts and retains businesses through customized support, access to capital, and strategic incentives. Our Mayor’s Business Action Team provides customer service, outreach and education to small businesses throughout Philadelphia. They work one-on-one to help businesspersons navigate City systems and connect to financial and technical assistance resources. Visit us at www.phila.gov/commerce, and follow @phlcommerce on Facebook, X, LinkedIn or Instagram.