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Watersheds Grant Program

Planting trees to improve water quality.

Trees for Watersheds Grant Program

One of the ways we can maximize the benefits that trees provide is by planting native species alongside streams and rivers. Often referred to as riparian buffers, these plantings help manage stormwater and reduce erosion while filtering pollutants and sediments before they reach our waterways. This improves water quality and reduces flooding in addition to the many other benefits that all trees provide. Creating these buffers is critically important for ecosystems but also for human health and well-being – much of our drinking water in the Philadelphia area is drawn from our streams and rivers.

PHS manages the Trees for Watersheds grant program (formerly TreeVitalize Watersheds), which helps municipalities, nonprofits, and private landowners plant trees along streams, neighboring upland areas, and natural stormwater basins. The result is thousands of trees planted every year in sensitive water protection zones.

The collaboration of five organizations helps make this grant possible: PHS for Philadelphia projects and the four Conservation District offices in each of the surrounding SEPA counties.

Trees for Watersheds funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Aqua, an Essential Utilities Company.

How to Apply

Applications are due each fall for projects in the following calendar year. Contact your grant advisor (district watershed specialist) prior to applying. We have a full list of all county specialists below. Each specialist will guide you through the project process.

Once you’ve reviewed the process, download the application packet below. Applicants must have at least one PHS Tree Tender on their planting team or have training on proper tree selection, planting, and establishment.

Municipalities and nonprofits

Municipalities and nonprofits may apply for land they own. Private landowners are eligible but must partner with an experienced conservation nonprofit. See a list of contacts below.

Bucks County Conservation District

Karen Ogden, 215.345.7577 x107
kogden@bucksccd.org

Chester County Conservation District

Cori Trice, 610.455.1384
ctrice@chesco.org

Delaware County Conservation District

Christopher Cook
cookc@co.delaware.pa.us

Montgomery County Conservation District 

Brian J. Vadino, 610.489.4506 x15
bvadino@montgomeryconservation.org

Philadelphia County 

Olivia Glinsky
oglinsky@pennhort.org

Grant Application Packet

A complete grant application must include:

  1. A project bid sheet
  2. A brief project narrative
  3. A site location map (in color)
  4. A signed Operations, Maintenance and Repair Plan/ Landowner Agreement Form
  5. A W9 for the lead organization

The TreeVitalize Watersheds Grants will cover up to 75% of project costs; grantees must provide at least 25% of the cost via eligible matching funds.

For Applicants: 2027 Grant Materials

For Current Grantees: 2026 Reimbursement Materials

Thank you to our sponsors of the PHS Watersheds Grant Program