Planting the Urban Forest

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Planting the Urban Forest

Written by Rich Pais

     The Wilkes Barre Shade Tree Commission was re-instated three years ago to enhance and manage the “urban forest” within the city of Wilkes Barre. The Commission is an active and energetic group that is constantly seeking grant sources for new tree plantings, pruning projects, and removal of nuisance trees.
   Since 2004, the Tree Commission, along with Leadership Wilkes-Barre, has been instrumental in acquiring funding for the King’s College North Main Street Landscape Enhancement and the Wilkes-Barre Boulevard Streetscape Project. It is currently working toward a major “greening” of South Main Street and plans to prune and elevate low limbs at intersections and along major boulevards throughout the city this winter.
   “You can see the work of the Tree Commission almost anywhere you travel in Wilkes-Barre, you just need to know where to look,” said Brooke Yeager, professor of Biology, downtown resident, and Commission member. “In the last year we reached out to homeowners who love nature and wanted to see the city become a more ecologically friendly place to live. We planted more than 180 trees on 100 properties throughout the city. We also had a special Arbor Day celebration that included seedling distribution to students at Dr. Kistler and Dan Flood Elementary Schools.”
   The Tree Commission also advertised the new eco-friendly approach to living in Wilkes Barre through presentations at the Pennsylvania Environmental Educators Association’s State Conference held at Genetti’s in Wilkes-Barre in April.
   “The response of everyone who visits with us is awesome,” said Charlotte Raup, a Commission member from Parsons. “Many residents still don’t know there is a place you can turn to for advice and information about trees in our city.”
       Although the Commission only has authority over trees in public spaces owned by the city and within tree lawns- the area between the sidewalk and street– the effect of working with local homeowners on behalf of the city is very positive. Helping residents plant new life in old places has a wonderful   and infectious effect on a local area. There is a certain pride and nurturing response that is generated when we help homeowners plant a tree. They know they have to care for it or it will die. Many times we go back to check on a tree and you can see the homeowners and their neighbors cleaning up their properties and the surrounding area. Tree Commission members also report that people in the neighborhoods who receive the trees feel more positive about the city.
   “Planting a tree is an act of kindness. It is amazing to see the smiles and warm response of residents who receive new trees,” said Malcolm Barber, chair of the Wilkes-Barre Shade Tree Commission.
   The Commission is always looking for volunteers to help with projects. Current projects include an inventory of every street tree in Wilkes Barre, November residential tree plantings, and November and December tree pruning.