This past Saturday, November 17th, almost fifty volunteers arrived early in the morning at Esperanza, amid blustery wind, but thankfully clear skies, to plant trees in and around Hunting Park.
The tree planting was led by Esperanza’s Housing and Economic Development division, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Arbor Day Foundation. Volunteers included Esperanza staff from multiple divisions, Esperanza Academy students and staff, representatives from Hunting Park Green, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Concilio, and local residents and youth.
Before the actual planting, volunteers were treated to breakfast and an informative demonstration of basic tree planting steps and safety tips, as well as other tree planting experts in the crowd. The demonstration included some great questions from volunteers, including a group of Esperanza Academy students. Afterward, the volunteers divided into five teams with an experienced Tree Tender leading each group and scattered to the different sites to plant the trees for the next few hours.
In total, twenty trees were planted at different sites, including nine trees at 4400 N. Reese St (around Casa del Carmen church). Each of these trees was watered and covered with fresh mulch. Tree species included American Yellowwoods and Hedge Maples, among others.
Trees are vital to this neighborhood, which is one of the hottest in the city of Philadelphia. Trees help to slow global warming, generate more oxygen, prevent soil erosion, reduce air pollution, improve soil quality and other benefits. In Hunting Park, in addition to reducing heat, they provide shade and green beauty in a mostly industrial environment. A volunteer told us that, “My dad is an arborist, so I grew up knowing how important it is to work with organizations like Esperanza and PHS. Having more trees in these neighborhoods just makes people feel better overall about their community.”
Esperanza and other organizations are committed to increasing the tree canopy through street and yard tree plantings. The neighborhood is hopeful for a greener and more just future, tree by tree. As he sorted tools after the tree planting, Dominic Moret stated, “The community really showed up for this event and to me, that means residents want more trees on their blocks. Now the real work begins, keeping the trees alive, then ensuring they thrive and grow.”
Esperanza and partners will be back in the spring of 2025 for the next round of planting. If you are interested in receiving a tree or helping with tree planting and/or outreach, please email Dominic Moret at dmoret@esperanza.us or call 214-324-0746, extension 125.
