Tree Treat: Collaborative Planting

“The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day,” according to the US Dept of Agriculture.  So come plant one with us in honor of Earth Day on Saturday morning, April 20.

Primex Garden Center in Glenside has donated a Sweetbay Magnolia to Cheltenham Township.  Interested residents will gather together at 9:00 a.m. on the flood plain area just south of the Wyncote Post Office and north of the Washington Lane overpass along Glenside Avenue (Wyncote) to do the honors. Preparation - in the form of heavy lifting and digging - was supplied by staff from Cheltenham Township. 

Families from Glenside United Church of Christ will be among those who participate in the process as part of their “Mission 4/1 Earth” project to promote stewardship of the environment and green living.  http://www.ucc.org/earth/  After the tree is planted, they plan to fan out across the creek bank in a clean-up effort.

The Sweetbay Magnolia is a native to the area; its glossy broad leaves usually remain green year-round.  After it flowers in the spring, the tree produces red berries in late summer/early fall which are appreciated by several species of birds. Sweetbay Magnolias are flood tolerant, so a creek side site can be useful in this area that’s known to be in need of serious flood management.

The public is invited to this open, collaborative celebration of Earth Day.