Partnership has supported more than 240,000 native tree, seedling and shrub plantings to protect clean water in Southeastern PA 

PHILADELPHIA, PA – October 29, 2025 - The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and Aqua Pennsylvania today celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Trees for Watersheds grant program with a commemorative planting event at the Riverbend Environmental Education Center in Montgomery County. Launched in 2005 and formerly known as TreeVitalize Watersheds, the Trees for Watersheds program has been awarded almost $2 million in grants from Aqua. These grants are part of more than $4.7 million in total funding provided collectively by Aqua, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and PECO. Together, these resources have facilitated the planting of over 240,000 native trees, shrubs and seedlings across over 1,200 acres to protect and restore local water quality throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. 

The event brought together leaders from PHS, Aqua and its parent company, Essential Utilities, as well as local conservation groups to honor two decades of environmental impact and partnership. The celebration concluded with a ceremonial planting on site at the Riverbend Environmental Education Center in Montgomery County. 

“For 20 years, the Trees for Watersheds program has shown how powerful partnerships and horticulture can be in protecting natural resources and advancing community well-being,” said Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “We’ve planted hundreds of thousands of trees, shrubs, and seedlings, improving air and water quality, restoring vital habitats, and creating greener, healthier places for people to live.” 

Through support from Aqua, long-term funding provided by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grant Program, and the efforts of PHS Tree Tenders and local conservation districts, Trees for Watersheds has helped expand tree canopy in five counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. The conservation districts in each of these counties - Bucks County Conservation District, Chester County Conservation District, Delaware County Conservation District, Montgomery County Conservation District, and Philadelphia County - have been integral partners since the program’s inception, providing vital local coordination, expertise, and outreach.  

These plantings play a critical role in filtering polluted runoff, lowering stream temperatures, and recharging groundwater supplies, benefiting both the environment and public health. By expanding tree cover in critical areas, the program also helps safeguard the long-term quality of drinking water sources. 

“We take our responsibility seriously to protect water sources and provide clean, reliable drinking water for the communities where we live and work,” said Dr. Chris Crockett, Vice President and Chief Environmental, Safety & Sustainability Officer for Aqua’s parent company, Essential Utilities. “Trees help us to do that, so the Trees for Watersheds grant program is core to our mission, and we are proud to have partnered on this program for the last twenty years.” 

For 2 decades, this program has empowered local communities to expand tree canopy and protect waterways through strategic plantings. With partnership from Aqua and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and guidance from PHS and county conservation districts, the program has empowered grassroots efforts that create more resilient natural environments. PHS Tree Tenders groups and other community partners have played a key role in organizing volunteer-driven projects that bring residents together around shared goals of environmental stewardship and public health. 

At Riverbend Environmental Education Center, this work has helped plant over 3,500 trees, 380 shrubs and 21 seedlings across its 30-acre preserve, supporting the organization’s mission to advance environmental literacy and empower children and adults to take action to conserve Earth's resources. As a longtime partner in the Trees for Watersheds program, the site now serves as a living classroom, demonstrating how community-based environmental action can have lasting educational and ecological impact. 

“When families and volunteers gather at Riverbend to plant trees, we’re united by one belief: every child deserves a sustainable future. Each tree planted is a simple, powerful act of hope and a promise to the next generation," said Riverbend Executive Director Erin Reilly. 

In addition to funding, the program provides technical support to help local groups plan and execute tree planting projects in priority watershed areas. For more information about the Trees for Watersheds program, visit https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/watersheds-grant-program.  

ABOUT THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia Region. PHS programs create healthier living environments, increase access to fresh food, expand access to jobs and economic opportunity, and strengthen deeper social connections between people. PHS’s work spans 250 neighborhoods; an expansive network of public gardens and landscapes; year-round learning experiences; and the nation’s signature gardening event, the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS provides everyone with opportunities to garden for the greater good as a participant, member, donor, or volunteer. For information and to support this impactful work, please visit PHSonline.org. 

ABOUT AQUA PENNSYLVANIA 

Aqua Pennsylvania serves approximately 1.5 million people in 33 counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Visit AquaWater.com for more information or follow Aqua on Facebook at facebook.com/MyAquaWater and on X at @MyAquaWater.