Made in the Shade
Published: January 22, 2010
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Municipalities or municipal agencies are encouraged to apply for TreeVitalize grants.
The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) has an interest in keeping the valley green. After all, trees help to capture storm water and reduce runoff, improve air and water quality, reduce “urban heat island” effects, beautify communities and increase property values, reduce heating and cooling costs and improve human health.
So helping communities get funds from Pennsylvania’s “TreeVitalize Metro” grant program — which provides grants and technical assistance to communities for tree planting — is a natural outgrowth of LHVA’s mission. TreeVitalize is a state-wide initiative led by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The goals of the program are to plant one million trees by 2012 and to train community volunteers to assist in the planting and early care of trees.
The spring 2010 round of the program is now open and the deadline for applications is Monday, Feb. 1. In 2009, LHVA awarded $89,700 to 11 communities in this region — including Archbald and Mayfield — for their tree-planting programs. Eligible expenses include trees, tree supplies, site preparation, and tree-planting costs.
“The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority is delighted to be able to help communities plant trees in urban areas,” notes LHVA executive director Natalie Gelb Solfanelli.
Solfanelli adds, “As the Metro Partner for three counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania, LHVA will work with communities to provide trees for streets, parks and communities.”
Archbald Borough Manager Steve Vincenti said the program helped acquire the trees that are part of the borogh’s new High School Park. Mayfield councilwoman Stephanie Kulick said trees were added to the town’s new baseball field.
The TreeVitalize Metro Grant Program guidelines, application form and additional information are available at http://www.LHVA.org/treevitalize.html or by contacting Stephanie Milewski, LHVA’s Trail Manager and Environmental Program Officer, at 963-6730 ext. 8203 or smilewski@LHVA.org.
