Penn State Program Offers Native Trees

Fundraiser will benefit watershed program; pre-orders available until Aug. 27

By Vickie Babyak
The Tube City Almanac
August 17, 2025
Posted in: Announcements

Trees that are native to Pennsylvania help reduce stormwater runoff, stabilize stream banks that are eroding, and filter pollutants such as chemical residue and road salt from reaching creeks and rivers.

If you feel like your property could benefit from new trees or shrubs — ones that are suitable to the Mon Valley’s growing conditions and climate — you may want to take advantage of the sixth-annual Native Tree and Shrub Fundraiser, held by Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Stewards. The program offers 23 species to choose from.

The money raised will contribute to projects that educate communities in how to promote healthy watersheds.

Planting native trees, shrubs and plants also expands habitat for local wildlife, beneficial insects that control pests, pollinators such as butterflies and bees, and a number of resident birds as well as migratory birds, said Laurie Maglietta, Allegheny County Master Watershed Coordinator.

The Watershed Steward Tree and Shrubs offered for sale are all suitable for southwestern Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania native tree and shrub pre-orders can be made until Aug. 27 or until sold out for fall pick-up in 29 counties across the Commonwealth.

To place an order, further details on pick-up sites, and to learn about native plants, please visit: https://extension.psu.edu/master-watershed-steward-native-tree-and-shrub-sale.

Trees and shrubs ordered in Allegheny County can be picked up from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Oct. 4 at South Park Ice Skating Rink, 300 Corrigan Drive, Bethel Park.

Westmoreland residents may pick up trees and shrubs at Westmoreland County Extension Office, 214 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3.

Pick-up sites, dates and times vary depending on the county.

According to research from public health organizations, trees are important to health by removing carbon dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter from the atmosphere, and releasing oxygen to breathe. This leads to cleaner air and can assist in reducing respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis. In addition, countless studies have found that continuous exposure to green spaces decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms.

“To learn more about how your own property management can affect the larger watershed, contact the Master Watershed Steward Program,” Maglietta said. “We’d love to teach you how to make your property watershed friendly.”

Maglietta may be reached at llm5621@psu.edu or (412) 336-2038. Her office is located at Penn State Greater Allegheny, 4000 University Drive, Main Building.

Species still available at this writing include:

American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)*
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
False Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa)
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Steeplebush (Spirea tomentosa)
Swamp rose (Rosa palustris)
Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)
White Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)*

Originally published August 17, 2025.

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