On a sunny day in Philadelphia last week, six elementary school students were handed golden shovels and helped Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and staff from the Bureau of Forestry plant a tree in the yard at the James Logan School.
One student shared that he has always wanted to dig in the dirt, use a shovel, plant a tree, and this was the first time that he would ever have a shovel in his hand….and it was golden!
The event helped spotlight investments the Shapiro Administration is making across the state aimed at expanding recreational opportunities, conserving natural spaces, and revitalizing communities.
Statewide Grants to Bring Recreation Close to Home in Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn speaks in front of James Logan Elementary School in Philadelphia.
This month communities across the Commonwealth are learning about new investments totaling $79.4 million for 307 projects that will expand close-to-home opportunities for outdoor recreation that are so important to our mental and physical health.
“Every day, my Administration is focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania — and we're proud to support hundreds of projects across the Commonwealth that not only enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvanians but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth," said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Investing in these projects – from improving our parks and trails to planting trees in our neighborhoods to increasing access to our rivers – attracts visitors to Pennsylvania, boosts local businesses, and strengthens our communities."
Funding is being provided for projects in 57 of 67 Pennsylvania counties in this round and is provided by the Keystone Fund, Environmental Stewardship Fund, and federal sources.
Statewide, the investments will facilitate the development of 25 new local parks, the rehabilitation of 85 existing parks, the protection of over 6,800 acres for recreation and habitat preservation, and $10 million to support trails, including nine projects aimed at addressing critical trail gaps.
A complete
list of the statewide grants is available on the DCNR website. Here are some examples of projects around the state:
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Asbury Woods Partnership, Erie County, $160,900 to acquire about 14 acres along Walnut Creek and Buttermilk Falls in Millcreek Township as an addition to Asbury Woods;
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City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, $218,000 for development of Swatara St. Park including walkways and a rain garden;
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Cochranton Borough, Crawford County, $100,000 for rehabilitation of Cochranton Lions Community Park;
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Dormont Borough, Allegheny County, $685,100 for rehabilitation of New Generation Playground;
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Fountain Hill Borough, Lehigh County, $28,200 to prepare a feasibility study for Fountain Hill Community Pool;
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Franklin Township, Greene County, $208,100 for the further development of Wisecarver Recreation Area including a loop trail;
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Johnstown Redevelopment Authority, Cambria County, $300,000 for a feasibility study for possible modifications to the Johnstown flood protection walls;
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Overfield Township, Wyoming County, $100,000, to further develop Teener Field; Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Council, $400,000, to support its bare root tree program for communities across the Commonwealth;
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Valley in Motion, Lackawanna County, $72,000 to assist three municipalities along the Lackawanna River to improve accessibility; and
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Fairview Township, York County, $448,900 to help acquire about 92 acres for a new county park.
These grants are part of the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which supports projects to develop new parks, rehabilitate existing spaces, and protect vital natural habitats.
With increased state and federal support, $10.5 million of this funding round will go toward tree planting and lawn-to-habitat conversions statewide.
Planting Trees at Schools in Philadelphia
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources staff and local students planted trees in front of James Logan Elementary School in Philadelphia.
The School District of Philadelphia received a $500,000 grant to engage communities, school staff, and students in planting approximately 600 trees across 30 school campuses in environmental justice areas, while also building local tree stewardship capacity in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Tree Tenders Program.
“Trees help combat urban heat and flooding, and their planting fosters a connection to nature,” said Secretary Dunn. “In Philadelphia alone, over $5 million in grants will support urban tree planting, park and playground improvements, trail development, and water access. These projects are part of broader efforts to prepare Fairmount Park and other sites for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.”
“Schools are an integral part of our Philadelphia communities and serve as areas where students, parents, and community members can gather and connect,” said Oz Hill, Deputy Superintendent of Operations for the School District of Philadelphia. “As one of the largest landowners in Philadelphia, increasing the tree canopy around schools will positively impact the health and well-being of our students. Thanks to a grant from DCNR, we are thrilled to expand our tree canopy.”
New Grant Round Opens in January
Pennsylvania has more than 6,400 local parks and 124 state parks, more than 12,000 miles of trails, and more than 83,000 miles of waterways. Together with more than 2.2 million acres of state forests, the Commonwealth has among the largest expanses of public lands in the eastern United States that offer outdoor recreation opportunities in all four seasons – making Pennsylvania
The Great American Getaway, launched by Governor Shapiro earlier this year.
Local parks, tree-lined streets, and natural spaces help revitalize our communities and make them places where people want to live, work, and visit.
DCNR grants assist communities and partners with maintaining and improving natural, recreational, and cultural amenities; planting trees; and landscape approaches.
The 2025
Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant round will open in January and close in April.