70 New Trees to be Planted in Downtown Wilkensburg

The Nine Mile Run Watershed Association (NMRWA) has announced plans to plant 77 new trees along the Penn Avenue corridor in downtown Wilkinsburg as part of the Wilkinsburg TreeVitalize Project: Rooted in Wilkinsburg – 500 Tree Initiative. In a collaborative effort between TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, the Borough of Wilkinsburg, the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC), and NMRWA, the trees will be planted in the public right-of-way as part of a plan that is both aesthetically pleasing and in tune with the most up-to-date urban forestry practices. The new trees will intercept thousands of gallons of stormwater, help clean air, reduce summer temperatures, and beautify the business district. They also will help increase revenue for business owners and reduce wear and tear on roadway and stormwater infrastructure. Each tree will be planted in a pit allowing 60 cubic feet of growing space, and watered for the first two growing seasons after installation. The trees, which will also be selected for their ability to thrive in harsh urban environments, will be cared for by NMRWA staff and volunteer Tree Tenders. The 77 new trees will complement the 274 that already have been installed in Wilkinsburg with the help of more than 200 volunteers since the spring of 2011. Partners of the Wilkinsburg TreeVitalize Project: Rooted in Wilkinsburg – 500 Tree Initiative hope to use the busy fall planting season to engage even more community members in their efforts. Specific information for the planting of the Business District is as follows: • Saturday, Oct. 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Borough Lot next to the Penn-Lincoln Hotel • Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the empty lot next to 1036 Penn Avenue For more information, visit http://ninemilerun.org. The Wilkinsburg TreeVitalize Project: Rooted in Wilkinsburg – 500 Tree Initiative is a partnership with TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, the Borough of Wilkinsburg, and the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation. TreeVitalize is a program of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. TreeVitalize works in partnership with community groups, non-profits, and municipal agencies. TreeVitalize Pittsburgh will plant 20,000 trees by 2012 throughout the Pittsburgh region in order to improve quality of life and the environment. The Nine Mile Run Watershed Association (NMRWA) works to ensure the restoration and protection of the Nine Mile Run Watershed through citizen engagement, demonstration projects and advocacy. NMRWA promotes green and sustainable practices throughout the region.