Harrisburg, PA – To mark Arbor Day, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams today announced a new way for Pennsylvanians to support tree planting efforts statewide — unveiling a new online donation option for the Keystone Tree Fund.
The announcement was made during a visit with second-grade students at Melrose Elementary School in the Harrisburg School District, alongside Harrisburg Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams and local officials. The event celebrated the value of trees and inspired young learners to care for the environment.
“Every tree we plant is a step toward cleaner air, cooler cities, and healthier communities,” said Secretary Dunn. “Planting a tree is a simple act with a big impact, and we’re making it easier than ever for Pennsylvanians to contribute to a greener future.”
New Way to Give Back
Through a new online form, Pennsylvanians can now make electronic donations to the Keystone Tree Fund, which supports grants for tree plantings in communities and streamside buffers. The fund also includes a voluntary $3 check-off box on driver’s license and vehicle registration online applications.
In 2024 alone, DCNR invested $10.5 million in grants for tree planting and lawn-to-habitat conversions — advancing Governor Josh Shapiro’s vision to strengthen communities while driving regional economic growth through projects that enrich cultural, civic, recreational, and historic places throughout Pennsylvania.
“Planting a tree is more than putting something in the ground,” said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams. “It’s planting hope, shade, and a legacy for future generations. These second graders are our future leaders and teaching them to care for the Earth is one of the most important investments we can make.”
“Trees are essential to our environment and the ecosystems in which they reside,” said Harrisburg School District Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Henry. “We are proud to partner with DCNR and the City of Harrisburg to inspire environmental stewardship in our youngest learners.”
National Arbor Day is an annual observance the last Friday in April to celebrate trees and all they do to help clean our air, protect our water quality, and make our landscapes and communities beautiful.
DCNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program helps build capacity within communities to plan for, plant, and care for trees. In 2021, DCNR added its first Tree Equity Specialist to ensure that every community across the Commonwealth has equal opportunities to experience the benefits of the department’s urban and community forestry work.
Trees and forests play a vital role in addressing climate change by capturing carbon and improving air quality, including reducing energy costs, slowing runoff after storms, reducing noise, and attracting birds and wildlife.
For more information about the Keystone Tree Fund and how to support tree planting in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s trees in communities. Learn more about how Governor Shapiro is Safeguarding Our Land, Water, & Air to protect the Commonwealth’s environment.
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