Community Forest Management
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Webinars$60.00
Woods in Your Backyard Series
When 01/14/2026Event Format Virtual | LiveExplore planning and implementing simple stewardship practices on your lot to create and enhance natural areas and make a positive impact on the environment during this series. -
WebinarsFree
Community Forestry: Direct Contracting Grant Availability
When 11/12/2025Length 1 hour, 30 minutesEvent Format Virtual | LiveGain insight into DCNR’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, including Direct Contracting funding to help communities expand and manage their tree canopy. -
NewsExtension Urban Forester Julianne Schieffer Retires
Date Posted 9/8/2025After 34 years of providing educational programs and assisting communities in southeastern Pennsylvania, Urban Forester and Natural Resources Educator Julianne Schieffer has retired from Penn State. -
NewsGrowing Equity: Expanding Tree Canopy Across the Commonwealth
Date Posted 9/5/2025TreePennsylvania grants are helping environmental justice communities plant trees that provide a wealth of environmental, health, and social benefits. -
ArticlesConducting a Community Tree Inventory
Street and park tree inventories provide information for the planning, design, planting, maintenance, and removal of community trees. -
ArticlesYour Community Tree Program: Shade Tree Commissions
A Shade Tree Commission or Environmental Advisory Commission plays an important role in community management of trees and natural resources for the greatest ecosystem benefits. -
ArticlesDealing with Local Timber Harvesting Ordinances
Timber harvesting is regulated by a fraction of Pennsylvania's local governments, but more municipalities are beginning to regulate harvesting in order to maintain forests for future generations. -
NewsPennsylvania Communities Save Money Planting Large Bare Root Trees
Date Posted 7/9/2025Over 1600 large caliper bare root trees were planted by Pennsylvania communities in Spring 2025 with help of mini-grant program. -
ArticlesGreen Parking Lots: Mitigating Climate Change and the Urban Heat Island
Designing green parking lots with large canopy trees can reduce urban heat loads, air and water pollution, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on our communities. -
ArticlesA Guide to Municipal Tree and Woodland Preservation Ordinances
Trees and woodlands enhance beauty, property values, health, and community appeal, but many areas lack policies to protect them during development. -
ArticlesCreating a Community Tree Plan: A Guiding Document for Your Tree Commission
A community tree plan does not need to be long or complicated to provide a guiding document for your shade tree commission. -
ArticlesHelping Municipalities and Tree Commissions Manage Community Trees
This article contains links to useful resources designed to help municipalities, community planners, shade tree commissions, volunteer organizations, and others that plant and manage community trees. -
ArticlesTree-Topping: The Cost is Greater Than You Think
If you are topping a tree to make it smaller, DON'T. It doesn't work! -
ArticlesBecome a Tree City USA Community
If your community has an active tree program, it could be awarded Tree City USA status. -
NewsChainsaw Safety Training Provided to Municipal Employees
Date Posted 11/7/2024Training held in Luzerne County this past summer will be available to other Pennsylvania communities in 2025. -
NewsShade Tree Commission Spotlight: Lewisburg Borough
Date Posted 7/25/2024Working with partners and a long-term strategy key to 39 years of maintaining and enhancing the Lewisburg community forest according to a shade tree commissioner and a Tree Tender volunteer. -
ArticlesManaging Urban Forested Natural Areas
Urban forested natural areas are critical to improving the quality of life for residents, but they need some management. -
ArticlesCommunity Tree Plans: A Guide for Tree Commissions and Advisory Councils
This article explains planning hierarchies and putting tree planning into practice, including effective administration; analysis of hazardous trees; proper site preparation; and proper tree selection. -
ArticlesThis Old Tree: Stories About Historic Trees
Podcast tells the stories that made certain trees important witnesses to history and how those trees are being preserved as reminders of that history. -
ArticlesThe Answer to Tree Health Struggles May Need a Closer Look
A cursory look at an unhealthy tree may lead to some initial ideas of what is causing a decline in health, but a closer look may reveal other causes initially unnoticed. -
ArticlesAre My Trees Buried Too Deep?
If you can't see the trunk flare/root collar at the base of a tree, it may be buried, which can lead to decay and whole tree failure. -
ArticlesWhat is My Tree Doing for Me?
Online MyTree tools let you see what benefits your tree is providing to you and your community. -
ArticlesDesigning Downtowns Fit for Trees
Good design and community input can help downtowns achieve an attractive and comfortable tree lined shopping district. -
ArticlesDealing with Tree Risk: Tips for Municipal Shade Tree Commissions
A systematic approach to detecting and dealing with tree risk can greatly reduce the potential for tree failures that cause injury and damage to property. -
ArticlesWhy Schools Should Plant Trees
Hands-on tree planting and care help students better connect to biology lessons and the natural environment.