Be a Friend, Plant a Tree
Planting season is upon us. Every October and November, Friends of the Wissahickon plants thousands of native trees and shrubs. We ask the community to join us during these optimal planting conditions to sow the seeds of progress.
Not only do these red oaks, sugar maples, and white pines make the Wissahickon even more beautiful, they serve many important ecological purposes.
Planting natives…
- Improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- Combats the heat island effect – a strong tree canopy can cool neighborhoods up to 10 degrees! ☀️
- Serves as a riparian buffer, or green buffer, protecting the water quality of nearby streams and rivers by filtering run off
- Creates a high quality food sources and habitat for the animals that call the Wissahickon home
Support from our membership makes a big impact on our ability to implement sustainable solutions to complex problems. Become a member today and join Friends of the Wissahickon in fostering an ecologically diverse and healthy habitat.
We hope you’ll join us for an upcoming planting day. There’s something special about planting a tree or shrub and returning each year to see it grow – supporting waterways, wildlife, and even park visitors along the way (whether they know it or not!)
Saturday, October 4, 9 AM. Forbidden Drive & Thomas Mill Red Covered Bridge. Register here.
Saturday, October 11, 9 AM. Forbidden Drive and Kitchens Lane Bridge. Register here.
Saturday, October 18, 9 AM. Houston Playground. Register here.
Saturday, October 25, 9 AM. Hermitage Mansion. Register here. (costumes encouraged!)
Our work in the park is never done. Even after the roots are in the ground, FOW and volunteers return to maintain all of our planting sites each year. You can support work like this when you become a member. New and upgrading members will also receive our brand-new pocket map, discounts on FOW merchandise and at local establishments like the Valley Green Inn, and more.