A program from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and the Centro de Cultura Arte Trabajo y Educacion (CCATE) is providing more than 60 free trees to Norristown residents.

All that’s required to request up to two free trees is to:

• Register by May 15 for a May 20 CCATE training class on tree upkeep
  • The free session runs 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with breakfast and lunch provided
  • The presentation will be in Spanish and English
  • Registration is via email to CCATE staff member Caitlin Brady or Colonial Canopy Tree Tenders
• Pick up the requested sapling(s) on June 3
  • Tree distributions are the CCATE headquarters, 1246 W. Main St., Norristown
  • Requestors can arrive between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM

The giveaway is intended to use natural elements to raise the well-being of Norristown in an equitable manner.

Thickening the natural canopy above the borough yields health benefits that include reduction of urban heat and its associated illnesses, which can be particularly difficult for marginalized populations and the elderly.

Bank of America and the Arbor Day Foundation are funding the program.

“I highly encourage Norristown residents to take advantage of this great opportunity to develop tree canopy in their neighborhood,” stated PHS Director of Trees, Tim Ifill.

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Although the Norristown tree giveaway program includes planting instructions, here’s a quick overview.