FAQ

WHAT IS THE KEYSTONE 10 MILLION TREES PARTNERSHIP? 

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is a collaborative effort of over 215 national, regional, state, and local agencies, conservation organizations, outdoors enthusiasts, businesses, and citizens committed to improving Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and ecology. The effort is coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. 

WHY HAVE THE PARTNERSHIP?

The importance of trees and tree planting is not a new concept. However, most programs and projects designed to restore trees to priority landscapes have been fragmented in size and scale. In order to plant the number of trees necessary to improve our communities, economy, and ecology, we need an effort that comprehensively approaches the availability of native trees, the capacity to plant and maintain them, and the landowners willing to accept and nurture them. A broad and diverse partnership is key to this approach.

WHO ARE THE PARTNERS? 

Everyone in Pennsylvania who cares about cleaning up its rivers and streams and wants to be part of this movement to plant trees can partner in some capacity. Conservation organizations, outdoors enthusiasts, businesses, volunteers, and individuals are joining the ranks and making a long-term commitment to reduce water pollution across the Commonwealth. Organizations who want to officially join the movement as a restoration partner, sponsor, and/or advocate can learn how to become a partner here.

WHY PLANT TREES?

No matter where you live—on a farm, in the suburbs, or in a city—trees are a vital part of your quality of life. They supply oxygen, enrich our soil, purify our air and water, reduce flooding, provide recreation, increase property values, and so much more. This site provides just a snippet of the vast benefits trees provide. 

 WHY 10 MILLION TREES?

As of 2016, Pennsylvania’s Clean Water Blueprint called for roughly an additional 96,000 acres of new streamside forests, or riparian forest buffers, to be planted. That equates to about 8.5 million new trees at the average density per acre recommended by restoration specialists. Adding street trees, planting on abandoned and legacy mine land, and other priority landscapes rounded our total up to 10 million. 

The additional 96,000 acres of streamside buffers will provide incredible pollution-reduction benefits. Reductions from agricultural landscapes alone would include more than:  

• 4.6 million pounds of nitrogen reductions; 
• 22.2 million pounds of sediment reductions; and 
• 43,000 pounds of phosphorus reductions.

WHAT TYPES OF TREES SHOULD BE PLANTED?

Native tree species are preferred and support natural ecosystems by providing habitat and food for birds, mammals, and insects. More than 130 native tree species grow across Pennsylvania. Popular types include the oak, hickory, maple, dogwood, red bud, sycamore, and honey-locust.

HOW CAN WE GET INVOLVED?

Fill out our contact form or call 717-769-4141 to become a partner in the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership or schedule a tree planting. View the Planting Events Map, to join the effort and volunteer for a planting near you.