Community Forestry
Erie Downtown Greening
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has partnered with key partners to plant 165 trees throughout downtown Erie with more than 150 volunteers to add greenery and enhance the vitality of the built environment.
Launched by a generous gift from an Erie resident, WPC has been working with the Erie Community Foundation, Erie Downtown Partnership, City of Erie and other community groups and volunteers to restore the urban tree canopy since 2013.
WPC initially developed an inventory of existing trees in a 70 block area of downtown, assessed overall health and made recommendations for best locations for new tree plantings. Sixteen different types of trees have been planted, including dogwood, maple, oak, bald cypress, eastern redbud, ginkgo and flowering cherry. In addition, WPC provided a street tree management plan for long term care by the City of Erie’s Forestry Department, the Downtown Erie Partnership and local volunteers
Urban trees provide shade, absorb rainwater, reduce noise pollution and increase property values. In fact, downtown Erie’s tree canopy is estimated to provide more than $85,000 per year in environmental and economic benefits.
For More Information:
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Arthur DeMeo
800 Waterfront Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15222