Shade Tree Commission preps to plant trees in Brentwood

On Oct. 26, the Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Shade Tree Commission was joined by volunteers from the Young Marines, Cub Scout Pack 326, the Girl Scouts and community for a large tree planting event in Colewood Park in Baldwin Borough.

Approximately 40 volunteers helped to plant 200 saplings and shrubs along the tributary to Lick Run in the rear of this newly-renovated park in the shadow of the stormwater holding tank. The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant that funded the riparian restoration required that the trees be situated within 25 feet of either side of the creek. The goal of the planting was to reduce flooding and erosion during rain events where Lick Run overflows its banks.

Volunteers worked diligently to plant the containerized trees and install tree tubes and cages to protect these young trees from wildlife. Members of the BBWSTC will maintain these trees by weeding, pruning, and checking on them after heavy rain and flooding events.

Another tree planting event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 16, in Brentwood. A Western PA Conservancy grant was secured to replace 11 street trees along a commercial stretch of Brownsville Road.

To volunteer, visit the Events section of the BBWSTC Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BBWSTC) and click the Sign Up link, or simply show up at 8:30 a.m. at 2935 Brownsville Road (in front of Cieslak & Tatko Funeral Home). The organization has planted 497 trees in its seven years of existence – with this planting they will break the 500 tree milestone!