Tree planting planned in Leetsdale

Leetsdale area nature lovers have an opportunity to beautify the town with new trees.

The borough has partnered with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to host a planting day April 29.

It begins at 9 a.m. at the borough building, 136 Beaver St.

Volunteers can learn about different types of native trees, proper tree planting practices and tree care. A light breakfast will be provided.

Shade Tree commissioner Wendy Shepard is hoping for a large turnout rain or shine.

“Anyone at any age can volunteer with us,” Shepard said. “If you’re younger than 18 years of age, you’ll just need adult supervision and permission. We’ll be gathering in the parking lot on the lower level of the borough building before proceeding to the individual sites. All tools will be provided and it’s important that folks preregister so that we know how many to plan for.”

Trees to be planted include large and small deciduous and evergreen plants. Types include dawn redwood, katsura, Kentucky coffee, bur oak, white pine, dogwoods and hickory.

Council vice president Maria Napolitano said the trees were provided to Leetsdale through a TreeVitalize grant. An arborist also visited the borough to insure the appropriate trees were selected.

TreeVitalize is a joint partnership between the conservancy, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and other nonprofits and municipal agencies.

“We are grateful to TreeVitalize Pittsburgh and to Western PA Conservancy for this generous award and for their expertise in helping selecting rare and beautiful arboretum-quality tree species for Henle Park, to perfectly complement the existing trees there,” Napolitano said.

Some trees will be planted near a few residences and Leetsdale Manor Highrise while a majority of them will be installed at Henle Park.

“Like many neighborhoods, Leetsdale has lost quite a few trees over the past years due to development, storms, pests and diseases, and climate change just to name a few,” Shepard said. “We are so thrilled and grateful to receive the very generous grant from TreeVitalize, which will greatly help us in our efforts to restore the tree canopy in our parks and along our streets.”

Scout troops and student organizations are encouraged to participate. Confirmation of volunteer hours will be available upon request.

People can register online at waterlandlife.org or call the borough office at 724-266-4820.