Harrisburg is set to enhance its tree planting efforts and environmental education initiatives following a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, awarded under the Inflation Reduction Act and the U.S. Forest Service. The City Council approved the grant on Tuesday.
The funds will support the Harrisburg Tree Vestment Project, which includes pruning, removing hazardous trees, and planting new ones. Additionally, the project will provide new inventory for the city’s existing Shade Tree Program and fund a new tree inventory software system. This is the first street tree inventory update in over a decade, according to city forester Cody Legge.
Beyond tree management, the program will also focus on community outreach and environmental education for local youth and residents.
Council members previously raised concerns about the types of trees being planted, citing issues like interference with power lines and sidewalk damage. In response, Legge assured that smaller, more urban-appropriate trees will be selected to avoid these problems.
For more information on Harrisburg’s Shade Tree Program, visit their website.
