Tree Pittsburgh Seeks Board Members

At Tree Pittsburgh, our vision is to create a healthy urban forest for all by inspiring and engaging people to maintain, plant, and protect trees. We believe everyone should benefit from the health, environmental, and social advantages trees provide, fostering more vital communities for generations to come.

Tree Pittsburgh is accepting new board member applications for four-year terms of service to begin in January 2026. Members elected to the board will have the opportunity to participate in supporting Tree Pittsburgh’s growth as we carry out the organization’s strategic plan. Our board of directors is charged with the governance of Tree Pittsburgh as well as amplifying its work through volunteering, fundraising, and advocating for opportunities to expand and protect the tree canopy across Allegheny County.

Tree Pittsburgh prefers applicants with a passion for the organization’s mission (it would be great if you’ve been to our events or have volunteered) and who are willing and able to contribute their professional skills, knowledge and connections to create more opportunities and support for Tree Pittsburgh.

2025 Board Member Recruitment

For this election cycle, we are seeking candidates with professional experience and perspectives in (one or more) of the following professional areas:

  • Fundraising/Donor Cultivation
  • Finance
  • Health Care
  • Legal
  • Information Technology
  • Real Estate

We encourage and welcome candidates who reflect the representation of the racial, cultural, age, gender, and geographic diversity of the people and communities across the region whom we serve at Tree Pittsburgh.

For more information on the position, please click here.

Board application process:

Applications requested on or before September 6, 2026.

October 2026 Tree Pittsburgh’s Board Development Committee will contact applicants regarding status and to schedule/conduct interviews, as applicable.

November 2025: Board Development Committee develops recommendations on candidates for board approval. First week of December 2026 – Tree Pittsburgh Board votes on board candidates. The Governance Board will contact all interviewees regarding status.

January 2027: Newly elected board members attend their first official board meeting.

To apply for a board position, please send us a cover letter and resume to treepittsburghgovernance@gmail.com and include your last name and Board Member in the subject line (eg: Smith_Board Member).

Please do not call or contact Tree Pittsburgh’s offices directly. Any questions may be directed to treepittsburghgovernance@gmail.com.

Urban Heat Islands

Have you ever noticed that some areas of Pittsburgh feel much hotter than a nearby park or tree-lined neighborhood on a summer day? That’s because of what’s known as an urban heat island. Urban heat islands are built-up areas that stay warmer than nearby rural or natural areas, especially during the summer months.

How do they happen?

Trees do a lot more than make our neighborhoods beautiful: they naturally cool the places where we live. But in many cities, trees have been removed in favor of roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and buildings. Without the shade and cooling effect of trees, temperatures in urban areas can increase by 3°F compared to nearby places with more vegetation.

The materials that make up our cities also play a role. Asphalt, concrete, and dark-colored buildings absorb heat from the sun throughout the day and slowly release it back into the air, making neighborhoods feel hotter long after the sun goes down.

The way our neighborhoods were built also matters. Decades of redlining and disinvestment left many communities—especially Black and other historically marginalized neighborhoods—with fewer parks, fewer street trees, and less investment in green space. Those patterns are still visible today. In Pittsburgh and cities across the country, neighborhoods that were historically redlined often have significantly lower tree canopy than wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods. That lack of tree cover contributes to hotter streets, hotter homes, and greater exposure to extreme heat.

What Can We Do?: Increase Trees & Vegetation

If urban heat islands happen because we’ve lost tree canopy, then planting and caring for trees is one of the most effective ways to cool our communities.

Trees cool neighborhoods in two important ways. First, they provide shade that keeps streets, sidewalks, buildings, and other surfaces from absorbing as much heat during the day. Second, they cool the air through evapotranspiration, a natural process in which trees absorb water through their roots and release it through their leaves. Together, these processes help lower both surface and air temperatures.

The benefits don’t stop there. Strategically planted trees can shade homes and businesses, reducing the need for air conditioning during the hottest months. Green infrastructure has been shown to reduce energy demand by 10 percent, helping lower both energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Trees also improve air quality. They store carbon dioxide, helping reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, while their leaves capture pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ground-level ozone. Research shows that tall, dense vegetation planted near roadways and other major sources of pollution can reduce air pollutants by approximately 30 percent.

Their impact extends below ground, too. Trees intercept rainfall before it reaches the ground, reducing the amount of stormwater that becomes runoff. Urban trees can absorb 15–27 percent of annual rainfall, helping reduce flooding while filtering pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste before they reach local waterways. The shade that trees provide also help to keep stormwater cooler, protecting streams and rivers from harmful temperature spikes that can affect aquatic life.

Perhaps most importantly, planting trees is an investment that lasts for generations. A healthy urban forest doesn’t just make neighborhoods cooler today; it helps communities become healthier, more resilient, and better prepared for a warming climate in the future.

Impacts of Urban Heat Islands

Human Health

Hotter neighborhoods affect more than just comfort. They can have serious impacts on our health.

As temperatures continue to rise, heat-related illnesses and deaths are becoming more common. Older adults, young children, low-income communities, outdoor workers, and people living with chronic health conditions, disabilities, mobility limitations, or taking certain medications are especially vulnerable. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke become more common during extreme heat, and long-term exposure can even contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Research also shows that spending time around nature can lower heart rate and blood pressure while improving immune system function. When neighborhoods lack trees and green spaces, people miss out on those important health benefits.

Energy Consumption

When temperatures climb, so does our use of electricity.

Air conditioners work overtime during the hottest parts of the day, and homes and businesses use more energy to stay comfortable. As temperatures continue to rise, so will the demand for energy.

Air Pollution

More energy use also means more pollution.

To meet higher electricity demand, more fossil fuels are burned, releasing additional greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. That contributes to even warmer temperatures, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break. Urban heat islands don’t just result from climate change, they can also make its impacts even worse.

More Frequent and Harsher Heat Waves

Heat waves have become more common across the United States over the past several decades. As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, communities that already experience extreme heat are expected to see heat waves become even more frequent and more intense.

Urban heat islands aren’t just about rising temperatures. They’re about the neighborhoods where people live, work, and spend time every day. By planting and caring for trees, protecting existing canopy, and investing in greener communities, we can help make Pittsburgh cooler, healthier, and more resilient for generations to come.

Tree Care: Small Actions, Big Impact

tree care, mulching, weeding

Trees work hard for us every day. They cool our neighborhoods, clean our air, reduce stormwater runoff, provide wildlife habitat, and make our communities healthier and more beautiful.

Tree planting is fun, but the work to grow our urban forest doesn’t end once a tree is in the ground. The first few years after planting are some of the most important in a young tree’s life. Proper care during this establishment period helps young trees survive, grow stronger roots, and provide benefits for decades to come.

Whether you recently adopted a tree, planted one in your yard, or care for a street tree in your neighborhood, here are a few simple ways to help your tree thrive.

Watering: The Key to Young Tree Survival

Water is one of the most important resources for newly planted trees. Young trees have smaller root systems than established trees, making them more vulnerable to drought and heat stress.

During the growing season, trees should receive consistent watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Rather than watering lightly every day, give your tree a deep watering once or twice a week. Slow, thorough watering allows moisture to reach the roots where it’s needed most.

Not sure if your tree needs water? Check the soil a few inches below the surface. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, you can wait a little longer.

Remember that newly planted trees may need supplemental watering for several years after planting, particularly during periods of drought. Trees need 10 gallons of water for every inch of tree diameter. For example, a tree with a 2” diameter trunk needs 20 gallons of water per week.

Weeding: Give Trees Room to Grow

Grass and weeds compete with young trees for water and nutrients. While it may not seem like much, turf grass can significantly slow a young tree’s growth and make it harder for roots to establish.

Keeping a weed-free area around the base of your tree helps reduce competition and allows more water to reach the roots. Be careful when using tools to weed so you don’t hit any roots.

An added bonus of removing grass from around your trees? A clear area around the trunk also helps protect trees from damage caused by lawnmowers and string trimmers.

Mulching: One of the Best Things You Can Do

If there’s one tree care practice that offers big benefits with relatively little effort, it’s proper mulching.

Mulch helps to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve soil health as it breaks down over time. A layer of wood chips or shredded bark around your tree can make a significant difference, especially during Pittsburgh’s hot summer months.

When mulching, remember: mulch wide, not deep. Aim for a layer about 2 to 4 inches deep and spread it as far from the trunk as practical.

Most importantly, keep mulch away from the trunk. Piling mulch against the bark, known as “volcano mulching,” can trap moisture, encourage decay, and create long-term health problems for the tree. Instead, create a large donut-shaped mulch ring with a clear space around the trunk.

When it comes to selecting mulch, make sure you use natural mulch, not dyed. This isn’t just important for mulch around your trees, but throughout your garden.

Inspect Your Tree Regularly

One of the easiest ways to care for a tree is simply paying attention to it.

Take a few moments throughout the growing season to inspect your tree. Look for signs of stress, including:

  • Wilting or discolored leaves
  • Dead or broken branches
  • Damage to the trunk or bark
  • Insect activity
  • Mushrooms or fungal growth near the base of the tree

Catching issues early often makes them easier to address. It’s also a great opportunity to remove any litter from the tree pit, check mulch levels, and make sure the tree is receiving enough water.

What About Pruning?

Pruning is an important part of long-term tree care, but timing matters.

In Western Pennsylvania, most structural pruning is best done during the dormant season when trees are not actively growing. Summer pruning may be appropriate in some situations, such as removing dead, damaged, or hazardous branches, but major pruning work is generally postponed until cooler months.

If you’re unsure whether your tree needs pruning, consulting a certified arborist can help ensure the right cuts are made at the right time.

Growing a Healthier Urban Forest

Every healthy tree in our region contributes to a stronger urban forest. By watering during dry periods, keeping weeds in check, applying mulch correctly, and regularly inspecting your trees, you can help them grow into lasting community assets.

The care we provide today helps ensure that future generations can enjoy the many benefits trees bring to Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods. After all, planting a tree is just the beginning! Helping it thrive is where the real magic happens.

Care for Trees with Tree Pittsburgh

Inspired to do some tree care? Visit our Events Calendar to find a mulching party near you!

STEAM Outside Camp

Campers stand around the Tree Pittsburgh sculpture, wearing life vests and ready to paddleboard at STEAM Outside Camp

At Tree Pittsburgh, we’re getting ready for STEAM Outside Camp this July! It might seem far away, but excitement is bubbling through our busy spring schedules as Tree Pittsburgh educators. During preparations, this question comes to mind: Is Tree Pittsburgh’s summer camp the best-kept secret in Pittsburgh?

Coming up on its ninth year, our week-long day camp for rising fourth to sixth graders has a tendency to draw youth back again and again. It’s not uncommon to have a camper attend for three years in a row! It’s also common to see a sibling (or two) come to camp when they’re the right age.   

Why do campers keep coming back? Parents and campers love STEAM Outside Camp thanks to the uniqueness of our site with its access to the Allegheny River, its leafy canopy, and the opportunity for youth to be right at the heart of our tree nursery and reforestation operations. The entire campus becomes a classroom and playground for camp week, with our open-sided barn acting as home base. From there, friendships form, seed experiments begin, the life of trees is investigated, creative muscles flex, and stewardship blossoms.

STEAM Outside Camp is affordable, and the scholarship process is easy. In addition, our group size is small (maximum 12 campers), so we have great instructor ratios.

We inject variety into our camp program so that it’s never the same experience twice. At the same time, we maintain consistency in staffing, quality, and overall format, as well as camper highlights. And here I’ve got to mention paddle boarding on the Allegheny with our friends at Watersmith Guild Pittsburgh, a hit year after year.

In addition to Tree Pittsburgh educators, we invite guest presenters. We’ve hosted, for example, Miguel Sague from the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center (COTRAIC), who brought to life for us the Seneca culture and practices at the confluence of the Ohio, part of their ancestral territory. Last year, April Claus (Interactive Environmental Programs) shared her great passion for amphibians and reptiles, introducing us to her scaly and slippery teaching animals, and explaining their relationship to trees.

So we’ve had repeat campers, but it’s not our intention to keep STEAM Outside camp a secret. There are still spots available for 2026. No need to keep quiet – you can check it out and pass it on! One more thing new to 2026! Our partner Functional Roots will offer a SEL-ebrate Nature Drop-off Summer Camp at Tree Pittsburgh for younger nature-lovers/ adventurers (rising kindergarten-second grade) August 3-7.

-Maeve Rafferty, Tree Pittsburgh Education Program Manager

The Tree Pittsburgh Arboretum

Pittsburgh has a new arboretum, and it’s one that is near and dear to our hearts: our campus! That’s right, Tree Pittsburgh is Pittsburgh’s newest arboretum.

Nestled along the banks of the Allegheny River in Lawrenceville, our 5-acre campus houses our offices, workshop, and Heritage Nursery – and now, our arboretum. Our campus has always been an educational space, and the arboretum builds on that mission. It’s a living classroom where visitors can see tree care, protection, and management practices in action.

We’ve selected 40 unique trees to examine and enjoy along our trail and campus. And that’s just a start – we’ve planted over 700 trees throughout the site! All trees highlighted on our arboretum map are primarily native, or trees that are resilient to city stressors. From American sycamore and eastern redbud to pawpaw and sweetbay magnolia, the arboretum reflects the richness of Western Pennsylvania’s tree canopy. You’ll also find a thoughtful selection of non-native and hybrid species, like dawn redwood and Persian ironwood, that help us explore how different trees adapt to changing environments over time.

The foundation of the collection is built on a combination of mature trees that survived the site’s industrial past, alongside hundreds of saplings grown in the Heritage Nursery, from seed collected in the Western Pennsylvania eco-region. This practice enhances genetic diversity and promotes climate adaptation.

Our campus is the quintessential Pittsburgh story: once a brown field, now an oasis of trees.

As you walk our arboretum and trail, you’ll see plants and trees of all kinds, some that have been there for decades and some that were selected specifically for our conditions. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, including a bald eagle and our resident spiny softshell turtle Myrtle.

The Tree Pittsburgh Arboretum is a reminder of the beauty and power of trees. We hope you’ll come visit and experience it for yourself.

Want to explore other arboretums? Check out the Pittsburgh Arboretum Hub!

Smart Giving

An image of containerized oak trees that are about 1 ft tall, in their fall splendor (reds and oranges). In the background stands a hoop house and mature trees on a hillside. The sky is blue with white clouds.

There are many ways to support your favorite organizations (like Tree Pittsburgh!) and the work we do in the community. Choosing which method makes the most sense for you may depend on your goals, resources, and even your age. Here is an overview of some of the most common ways of giving, but we recommend consulting your attorney or tax advisor for more personalized advice.

One-time and recurring gifts can make the most immediate impact.

Some ways, like sending a check or making a one-time donation online, are simple and straightforward—and provide immediate support for our most urgent needs.

You may want to deepen your commitment and become a Perennial Favorite by setting up a recurring donation. This type of gift is a great way to stretch your giving by spreading it out over the year, and helps us to plan by knowing we can count on your support year round.

These types of donations are put to work right away at Tree Pittsburgh, powering our tree planting and tree care programs and growing a greener future in our nursery.

There are some tax code changes starting in 2026 that may influence your giving.
If you take the standard deduction on your tax return, you can take advantage of the Universal Charitable Deduction. Starting in 2026, you can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married filing jointly) of your charitable gifts of cash or cash equivalents (credit card, check, etc.). This means that achieving your philanthropic goals by supporting organizations you care about can lower your tax liability—a win-win situation!

There are some changes in 2026 to itemized deductions as well; only charitable contributions that exceed 0.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) can be deducted. Talk with your financial advisor to see how this change may affect your giving strategy.

Note that these changes apply to tax year 2026, you won’t see them on your 2025 tax filing!

There are other “Smart” ways to give, too—meaning tax-advantaged ways of giving that can maximize your impact. 

Donating appreciated stocks or mutual funds directly can provide Tree Pittsburgh with the full amount of the donation, without the reduction of capital gains tax that would be incurred if you sold the stock and donated the proceeds. You can also receive a tax deduction for the fair market value of the stock at the time of donation, not just the original cost basis. The benefits of this type of giving may vary depending on your tax bracket and other factors, and should be discussed with your financial advisor.

If you are 73 or older, you must make required minimum distributions (RMD) from your individual retirement account (IRA) each year. Making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) to Tree Pittsburgh can help you fulfill your RMD without increasing your taxable income. You can begin making QCDs at age 70 ½, which may help reduce the amount of your RMD in the future.

You can also recommend a grant from your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). There are a number of local and national DAF providers to choose from. This is a great vehicle to earmark funds for charitable purposes, which can be distributed over time.

Legacy gifts, such as bequests and beneficiary designations (of an IRA, DAF, or insurance policy), create a lasting impact and sustain our mission for generations. Filling out a gift intention form for your legacy gift helps us understand your goals, and keeps you connected to your impact during your lifetime.

“Smart” gifts can have a transformational impact on Tree Pittsburgh’s mission, and can be tailored to your specific financial situation and philanthropic goals.

There are also unique ways to support Tree Pittsburgh’s mission that have extra benefits to you.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate a milestone like a birth, marriage, or major birthday or anniversary, or to memorialize someone important to you, you can Gift a Tree, which will be planted in the community during our next planting season. 

You can also donate vehicles, such as cars, boats, and RVs, to benefit Tree Pittsburgh. The process is easy, and can save a lot of hassle if you have a vehicle you no longer need.

Donating your time as a volunteer is another incredibly valuable way to support Tree Pittsburgh’s mission. From harvesting and preparing seeds, to tending seedlings, and planting and caring for trees throughout the county, there are many opportunities to help grow and protect our tree canopy.

Many employers match their employees’ charitable contributions or volunteer hours, making your gift go even further at no cost to you. If you’re not sure if your company offers a matching program, talk to your HR department to learn more.

However you choose to support Tree Pittsburgh, know that your gift is deeply appreciated and directly supports growing, planting, maintaining, and protecting our community’s trees.

Have questions, or want to learn more about how to support Tree Pittsburgh? Contact Development Manager Liz Lenthe at liz@treepittsburgh.org.

Tree Pittsburghs Seeks Board Members

At Tree Pittsburgh, our vision is to create a healthy urban forest for all by inspiring and engaging people to maintain, plant, and protect trees. We believe everyone should benefit from the health, environmental, and social advantages trees provide, fostering more vital communities for generations to come.

Tree Pittsburgh is accepting new board member applications for four-year terms of service to begin in January 2026. Members elected to the board will have the opportunity to participate in supporting Tree Pittsburgh’s growth as we carry out the organization’s strategic plan. Our board of directors is charged with the governance of Tree Pittsburgh as well as amplifying its work through volunteering, fundraising, and advocating for opportunities to expand and protect the tree canopy across Allegheny County.

Tree Pittsburgh prefers applicants with a passion for the organization’s mission (it would be great if you’ve been to our events or have volunteered) and who are willing and able to contribute their professional skills, knowledge and connections to create more opportunities and support for Tree Pittsburgh.

2025 Board Member Recruitment

For this election cycle, we are seeking candidates with professional experience and perspectives in (one or more) of the following professional areas:

  • Architecture
  • Legal
  • Donor cultivation/ Fundraising
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Public Health
  • Real Estate

We encourage and welcome candidates that reflect the representation of the racial, cultural, age, gender, and geographic diversity of the people and communities across the region whom we serve at Tree Pittsburgh.

For more information on the position, please click here.

Board application process:

Applications requested on or before September 15, 2025.

October 2025: Tree Pittsburgh’s Board Development committee will contact applicants regarding status and to schedule/conduct interviews, as applicable.
November 2025: Board Development Committee develops recommendations on candidates for board approval. First week of December 2025 – Tree Pittsburgh Board votes on board candidates. The Governance Board will contact all interviewees regarding status.
January 2026: Newly elected board members attend their first official board meeting.

To apply for a board position, please send us a cover letter and resume to governance@treepittsburgh.org and include your last name and Board Member in the subject line (eg: Smith Board Member).

Please do not call or contact Tree Pittsburgh’s offices directly. Any questions may be directed to governance@treepittsburgh.org.

Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance Celebrates Transformational Investment in Allegheny County

The Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance hosted a kickoff celebration in conjunction with a community tree planting on Thursday, November 30 at Renziehausen Park in McKeesport. The group clebrated the transformational $9 million investment in Western Pennsylvania’s urban forests by the US Forest Service. This grant comes from the USFS Urban and Community Forestry program through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance members Allegheny County Conservation District, Allegheny Goatscape, Allegheny Land Trust, Friends of the Riverfront, Landforce, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Tree Pittsburgh, UrbanKind Institute, and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy were collectively awarded $8 million. These funds will support community-level planning and workforce development to plant and maintain trees along streets, in parks and public greenspaces, and residential and institutional property, all within Justice40 zones.

The City of Pittsburgh was awarded $1 million to support the vacant lots tree planting project designed to mitigate urban heat effects in underserved City neighborhoods.

United States Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman and United States Representatives Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio underscored the importance of investing in a healthier and more sustainable urban forest and green jobs for our region.

“This $8 million grant is at the heart of why I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act: to reduce energy costs for communities, strengthen our workforce, and build a healthier future for our children,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). “This investment will help the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance plant more trees and create more greenspaces that keep the region cooler, the air cleaner, and the public healthier while providing agriculture workers with training and employment opportunities to boost the economy.”

“I applaud this funding for urban forests from the Biden Administration. This $9 million will significantly improve Allegheny County’s public health and empower the region through community-level planning and job creation,” said U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA). “This is an incredible investment in workforce development, community building, environmental justice, and most of all, Western Pennsylvania.”

“I am thrilled to help secure $8,000,000 for Western Pennsylvania to plant trees across our region, support the agricultural workforce, and improve the health of Western PA’s tree canopy,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA). “These federal investments over the next five years will grow to impact a lot of people and workers, and I am proud that my team was able to help the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance secure this big-time investment in our community.”

“I’m so proud to have played a part in bringing this $8 million investment to Western Pennsylvania through the Urban and Community Forestry program,” said Rep. Summer Lee (PA). “This isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about planting hope in our communities. It’s a commitment to breathe new life into our urban landscapes, strengthen our communities with green jobs, and ensure that environmental justice is rooted in the very soil of our neighborhoods. We’re not only growing our urban canopy, we’re nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards right here in our backyard. Every single tree we put into the ground is a promise for cleaner air, cooler streets, and a brighter, healthier future for all our neighborhoods.”

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn echoed the importance of trees.

“Planting a tree is a simple act with a big impact,” Secretary Dunn said. “Trees are a solution to many of our environmental issues, including heat and stormwater from heavy rains, helping our communities address challenges and making them better places to live and work.”

ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH CANOPY ALLIANCE

The Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance is a working group of more than 20 nonprofit organizations and government agencies from across Allegheny County. Alliance partners are committed to increasing equitable access to urban tree canopy and the many human health, environmental, and economic benefits that it brings. This collaborative aims to increase community involvement in local planning, leading to healthier trees and a greater number of them. Learn more, including a list of participating organizations and agencies, at pittsburghcanopyalliance.org.

Tree Pittsburgh adds Tree Equity Manager to staff

Tree Pittsburgh is excited to announce the creation of a new role at the organization: Tree Equity Manager. This position will continue the organization’s impactful neighborhood-based ReLeaf urban forestry planning efforts and deepen robust partnerships within communities, particularly those with low tree canopy or in Environmental Justice areas.

Current Tree Pittsburgh staff member Clara Kitongo will transition from her role as One Tree Per Child Program Manager to this newly created position. As the Tree Equity Manager, Clara will play a pivotal role in fostering strong collaborations with communities, residents, and local organizations.

With the creation of this position, Tree Pittsburgh is deepening its commitment to communities and partnerships in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. We will continue to work in established ReLeaf neighborhoods (Beltzhoover, California-Kirkbride, Hazelwood, Homewood North, Homewood South, Homewood West, Lawrenceville, and Manchester-Chateau) and expand the program to more communities under the leadership of the Tree Equity Manager. Clara will also support the efforts of the newly created Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission Tree Equity Task Force whose goal is to examine and refine policies and practices that have long perpetuated urban forest disparities across the city.

“We will continue to build relationships in schools that are in these communities who are EJ communities or have low canopy,” said Kitongo. “This new position allows us to have a guiding north star that is always questioning how we are applying our programming in communities and meeting them where they are.”

In a continued effort to align the team with their skills and passions, Community Tree Specilist Kelsey Munsick will take on the new role of Tree Tender Program Manager. She will help to increase engagement among Tree Tenders and community members in volunteer opportunities as well as education programs. This role will allow her to continue to work with ReLeaf communities in a new capacity.

With the creation of these new positions, Tree Pittsburgh is hiring a new One Tree Per Child Program Manager. To learn more, please visit this link.

ReLeaf Neighborhood Plans and Updates Released

Tree Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the release of a ReLeaf plan for Greater Hazelwood and “How Are We Doing?” updates for the already-existing ReLeaf Lawrenceville and ReLeaf Manchester & Chateau plans.

ReLeaf is a planning process and program that brings support to the urban canopy on a neighborhood-level scale. We work with low-canopy neighborhoods that want to chart a path toward a greener community. Together, we create a neighborhood-level plan for growing the community’s urban forest, including tree planting, young tree care, and education to ensure long-term success.

The ReLeaf plan has four steps: What do we have?, What do we want?, How do we get there?, and How are we doing?.

Tree Pittsburgh began working with Greater Hazelwood in 2021. In 2019, residents outlined a desire to increase the tree canopy throughout the neighborhood and strengthen the quality of the community’s green spaces. Tree Pittsburgh, Hazelwood Initiative Inc., and other partners worked together to analyze existing data, host meetings, conduct public surveys, and create neighborhood goals to create the neighborhood’s first ReLeaf plan.

The Greater Hazelwood ReLeaf plan can be found at this link.

In 2014, Tree Pittsburgh worked with residents and local stakeholders to create the first neighborhood-level urban forest master plan, ReLeaf Lawrenceville. Tree Pittsburgh staff again worked with the Lawrenceville community to provide an update to the plan, How Are We Doing, in 2022.

The ReLeaf Lawrenceville: How Are We Doing? plan can be found at this link.

In 2014, Tree Pittsburgh worked with residents and local stakeholders to create a neighborhood-level urban forest master plan, ReLeaf Manchester & Chateau. Tree Pittsburgh staff again worked with the Manchester & Chateau communities to provide an update to the plan, How Are We Doing, in 2022.

The ReLeaf Manchester & Chateau: How Are We Doing? plan can be found at this link.