Philadelphia Tree Plan Partners Celebrate $12 Million Funding for Implementation of the Philly Tree Plan

The Philly Tree Plan reflects input from more than 9,000 residents, local stakeholders, and environmental experts; marks the city’s first strategic plan to equitably build tree canopy. 

September 19, 2024 – Philadelphia, PA -- On September 19, 2024, representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will join key project partners in Philadelphia to celebrate the award of a $12 million USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry grant to support the implementation of the Philly Tree Plan, a ten-year strategic plan to equitably grow the city’s tree canopy.  In partnership with Parks & Recreation, Public Health Management Corporation, and others, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) led the effort to apply for and secure this major investment in Philadelphia’s urban forest.  

The event, held at Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC)’s Public Health Campus on Cedar in West Philadelphia, focuses on the impact of the strategic plan and progress on implementation. Guests will tour nearby Malcolm X. Park to see newly planted street trees by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and tree maintenance done by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and PowerCorpsPHL, who are part of the coalition of partners dedicated to growing Philadelphia’s urban forest. 

Progress to Date 
In the first year of implementation, the key partners have focused on planning and capacity building to support and grow existing tree programs. This includes efforts to grow tree canopy and protect existing trees, build workforce skills around tree care and maintenance, develop community trust, and ensure ongoing community engagement in the Philly Tree Plan.  

The Philly Tree Plan key partners have also laid out the initial structure and governance for the Philly Tree Coalition, a dedicated organization responsible for coordinating project implementation among the key partners and continued fundraising efforts for the Philly Tree Plan. The Philly Tree Coalition will be housed at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. 

This USDA Federal Grant for the Philly Tree Plan is made possible through the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history.  This grant is one of the largest federal funding grants ever received for urban forestry in Philadelphia. It is specifically dedicated to urban forestry and tree canopy equity. The Philly Tree Plan outlines a transformative investment in public health and quality of life for Philadelphia neighborhoods, representing a significant commitment to creating a resilient, equitably distributed urban forest and ultimately a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia.  

“The Forest Service is proud to partner with the City of Philadelphia, Public Health Management Corporation, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and other partners in implementing the Philly Tree Plan. Through President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the Forest Service is supporting communities, such as Philadelphia, in becoming more resilient to climate change and combatting extreme heat through increased urban tree canopy,” said Meryl Harrell, Deputy Secretary for USDA Natural Resources and Environment.  

"PHS is committed to using horticulture, including growing trees, as a tool for improving health and well-being across the Greater Philadelphia Region.  The Philly Tree Plan is more than just a strategic plan; it's a catalyst for transformative change in Philadelphia. By fostering collaboration among communities, organizations, and government, we're following our past model for success and creating a new paradigm for environmental justice. This $12 million grant will empower partners to expand tree canopy in seven priority neighborhoods, improving air quality, reducing heat-related illnesses, and enhancing the overall well-being of residents. PHS is only able to lead this work thanks to the incredible support of our PHS Members, Volunteers, Corporate Partners, and Philadelphia Flower Show Supporters. Together, we're building a greener, healthier, and more equitable future for our city," said Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. 

“The expansion of Philadelphia’s tree canopy is directly aligned to the heart of PHMC’s mission of building healthy communities. Trees are fundamental to our health: they make our air cleaner, our summers cooler, our streets safer, and they improve our mental health and quality of life. We are confident that all the partners can contribute to achieving these goals of a greener Philadelphia.” said Michael Pearson, president & CEO, Public Health Management Corporation. 

"Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is very proud of the Philly Tree Plan, from the community engagement that was crucial to its development, to its goal of a healthy and equitable urban forest for all," said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner, Susan Slawson.  "The Philly Tree Plan is a critical part of achieving Mayor Parker’s vision of a safer, cleaner, and greener city.  Through our implementation efforts we will continue to increase communication about trees, reduce the burden of tree care on our residents, and improve commercial corridors where businesses and residents can both see and feel the benefits of an increased tree canopy. We are thrilled to receive this grant and to continue our efforts in enhancing quality of life for Philadelphians.” 

Press Conference Information 
PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar 
501 S 54th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143 
Entrance through main entrance on 54th St or attached parking garage. Parking is free. The press conference will be in the atrium on the ground floor. 

WHEN: Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 10:45 a.m. 

• 10:45 – 11:30 am: Press conference in the Atrium of the PHMC Cedar Campus.  

• 11:30 – 12:15 pm: Walking tour of Malcolm X Park. *  

*The tour will feature a stop to view street trees that were recently planted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and trees that will be maintained through this grant. In Malcolm X. Park, PowerCorpsPHL’s workforce development participants will be available to share their experiences learning how to take care of trees.  

About the Philly Tree Plan 
The Philly Tree Plan includes goals to reach a benchmark of 30% tree canopy in 30 years. Research by the USDA Forest Service estimates that achieving 30% tree canopy would prevent over 400 premature deaths per year in Philadelphia, including over 200 premature deaths in areas of lower socioeconomic status.  

According to a study conducted in 2018 by The City of Philadelphia and University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Lab, the city’s tree canopy declined by 6% from 2008-2018. The citywide average is approximately 20% tree canopy, with some Philadelphia neighborhoods having as little as 2.5% tree canopy. This award marks a pivotal step toward securing the future of Philadelphia’s urban forest. 
The Philly Tree Plan identified seven priority geographic areas where City and non-profit partners will increase investment in tree planting and maintenance efforts. These areas were identified using environmental justice criteria, including tree canopy cover, heat exposure, air quality, income, and asthma rates. The Plan also identifies pathways towards growing a more equitable tree canopy, where residents in these communities do not suffer disproportionately from the effects of little or no tree canopy.  

To achieve these aims, The Philly Tree Plan established eight goals: 

• Coordinate support for trees 

• Protect the existing and future urban forest 

• Grow the urban forest equitably across the city 

• Reduce the burden of trees on residents 

• Invest in people and communities 

• Communicate with residents and improve customer service 

• Advocate for communities to benefit from the urban forest 

• Celebrate and support the ways communities are engaging with trees  

Key to this work is the continued input of community and resident stakeholders who helped to shape the creation of the Philly Tree Plan with input from over 9,000 individuals.  

Philly Tree Plan Key Partners   

• Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) 

• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society 

• Parks & Recreation, City of Philadelphia  

• Office of Clean and Green Initiatives, City of Philadelphia 

• Fairmount Park Conservancy 

• PowerCorps PHL  

• School District of Philadelphia 

• Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia 

The Philly Tree Plan coalition of partners are equal opportunity providers. Funding for this project is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program. 

To learn more about the Philly Tree Plan, please visit below.