The Lower Merion Conservancy wants to help residents replant what July's microbursts tore down.
The Gladwyne-based nonprofit is hosting two free virtual seminars on tree canopy health and giving away a native tree to every attendee.
The half-hour sessions are scheduled for August 11, from 6 to 6:30 p.m., and August 19, from noon to 12:30 p.m. Both are virtual. Residents who register for either session will receive a free native tree to plant on their own property.
The Conservancy announced the program on its website Tuesday, citing widespread tree loss across the township. "Our area has lost many trees due to storms and disease," the organization wrote. "Time to start replanting!"
That loss became visceral on July 12, when at least four microbursts with 60- to 70-mph straight-line winds struck southern Montgomery County and parts of Philadelphia, according to the National Weather Service. The first hit Lower Merion Township at approximately 2:44 p.m. The township declared a state of emergency due to downed trees and wires, and officials urged residents to stay off the roads.
The Conservancy, headquartered at 1301 Rose Glen Road in Gladwyne, has run similar programs before. The nonprofit previously offered free native replacement trees to residents who lost beech trees to beech leaf disease, paired with an informational lecture at the Barnes Arboretum at Saint Joseph's University.
The species of native tree being offered has not been announced. Registration details are available at lmconservancy.org.
Upcoming
- Tuesday, August 11, 6–6:30 p.m. — Virtual Tree Canopy Seminar (Lower Merion Conservancy)
- Wednesday, August 19, 12–12:30 p.m. — Virtual Tree Canopy Seminar (Lower Merion Conservancy)
