Gather & Grow

Trees available on a first come, first served to partners with projects that fit the following criteria:

• Eligible planting areas:

• Within eligible geographies (see web map at https://arcg.is/1yy01G6)
• Benefits the community (property is public or semi-public): 
• Streetscapes: vegetated medians, curbsides, parking lots, etc.
• Community or cultural land: parks, schools, churches, plazas, etc
• Other parcels privately owned but open and accessible to the public

• Tree selection, planting sites and stewardship requirements:

• Species are native to our region and selected by a technical expert knowledgeable of local climate, site characteristics, and tree species according to ANSI standards
• Minimum 1 inch caliper trees (over 6 feet when planted)
• Plantings are supervised by trained staff or volunteers.
• An operation and maintenance plan is in place, developed by a qualified specialist with an identified party responsible for ongoing tree care.

• Applicant pledges to plant a minimum of 30 trees by December 2027

Apply for Trees

To learn more about the program process, and to apply for trees, complete an interest form. Before planting projects are approved, you must demonstrate all initial site considerations were made (ex. utilities, municipal regulations, subsurface and soil conditions, and tree care).  Covered expenses may include site prep, planting labor, planting supplies, gator bags, and other maintenance. Questions? We want to help you get the right tree planted in the right location for success. Contact acooper@lancastercleanwaterpartners.com

More on the Gather & Grow Program

In 2025, the Lancaster Clean Water Partners were awarded a subaward from Chesapeake Conservancy as part of their “Gather & Grow” program.  Gather & Grow supports Chesapeake Bay restoration and resiliency goals through conservation workforce development and nature-based restoration in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Learn more here!

Tree Tenders Virtual Training Announcement
Interested in growing your tree skills? Help grow the network of trained Lancaster County Tree Tenders through this upcoming virtual Tree Tenders training series offered by Penn State Extension. The 7-week series is presented as recorded lunch-hour installments from Jan 14 – Feb 25.

You’ll be joining thousands of citizens committed to making a difference in their communities by becoming a Tree Tender. Through the Tree Tenders training program, developed by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in partnership with Penn State Extension Urban Foresters, you will gain the skills needed to restore and care for your community’s tree canopy. This program empowers individuals to take meaningful action by learning how to plant, prune, and maintain trees, directly contributing to environmental
health and sustainability. Become part of a growing movement dedicated to enhancing green spaces and increasing tree cover in neighborhoods across Pennsylvania.

*Each participant will receive a hard copy of the Tree Tenders Handbook, published by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay will cover the $50 registration fee for residents of Lancaster County or municipal officials working in Lancaster County who complete the program. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Deadline to register: 1/6/25

Upon successful proof of completion, participants will be reimbursed their registration fee. Email ebroich@allianceforthechesapeakebay.org if interested.

Register here