“Ready to Root” Tree Distribution Day

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light (PA IPL) and the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center (CCCEC) will host “Ready to Root: Tree Distribution Event” on October 20th at CCCEC, located at 700 Cobbs Creek Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19143.

This free community event is a celebration of urban forestry and grassroots tree leadership from increasing tree canopy equitably in Philadelphia. Attendees will enjoy partner tabling, educational activities, a guided tree walk around the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, and more. The primary purpose of the day is to distribute almost 1,500 trees to the leaders and community distributors who pre-ordered trees with PA IPL for Fall 2026.

A limited supply of no-cost trees for yards, houses of worship, public parks, or other community spaces will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who did not place an advanced order.

In the afternoon, (3-6pm) certified arborists and environmental educators will be facilitating “Tree Walks” in the park to teach proper tree care to attendees. Educators include representatives from Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center and PHS.

Community Event Schedule, 3:00 – 6:00 PM:
● 3:10pm, open remarks
● 3:30pm, arbor walk on watering and mulching
● 4:30pm, arbor walk on tree pruning

Volunteers are the backbone of this effort. The greatest need is for morning volunteers (8:00 AM– 2:00 PM) to help unload trees from the truck, sort them, and tag them by species. Afternoon volunteers (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) will help continue sorting orders and passing out trees as people arrive to pick them up. All volunteers (if planting in eligible neighborhoods) will be prioritized for the tree giveaway.

“This event is the fruit of deep collaboration and a shared commitment to tree equity,” said Dominique London, Tree Program Manager at PA IPL. “We are thrilled to work with the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center to put trees into the ground where they are needed most while honoring the privacy and leadership of our planters. We invite everyone to come out, learn about urban forestry, and take home a tree.”

Roots Branches and Hands is a multi-faith community & urban forestry program advancing tree equity across Pennsylvania by investing in the future of our canopy by distributing no-cost native trees, providing technical assistance support for community trees projects, and offering leadership training/project coaching. PA IPL’s program is designed to empower communities, improve air & water quality, increase habitat, and support climate resiliency. Read more about the program here: https://paipl.us/roots-branches-hands/

Roots, Branches, & Hands is made possible through federal funding awarded through American Forests from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) United States Forest Service (USFS) Community & Urban Forestry Program as well as Hulpits Fund – Sierra Club and several Sierra Club Chapters. Nothing shared in this press release or through the program should be understood as representing the official views of the USDA or USFS.

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Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light (PA IPL) is a statewide nonprofit organization that
mobilizes people of faith and conscience to take action on climate change, advance clean energy, and promote tree equity across the six watersheds of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

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The Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, which is operated and managed by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, is dedicated to connecting the Cobbs Creek community with nature, promoting environmental stewardship, and providing educational opportunities for all
ages.

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Media Contact:
K Ruth
PA IPL Executive Director
(717) 424-8560
director@paipl.org
paipl.org