Pennsylvania Community Forests (PCF) is a nonprofit organization made up of all kinds of people who want to improve our community forests and green spaces. PCF guides a statewide program that provides technical and financial assistance for communities and volunteer groups.
Pennsylvania Community Forests Council serves as a vehicle for DCNR Bureau of Forestry andPenn State University (PSU) to accomplish various things that require the participation of an independant non-profit entity. We serve as a clearinghouse of information for the community and dispense such funds and grants as are made available to the organization.
The Mission of the Pennsylvania Community Forests Council is to assist communities in developing comprehensive and sustainable urban forestry programs for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life. The goals for the Council are as follows:
- Provide leadership for urban forestry in Pennsylvania
- Improve Council’s organization and operations.
- Provide leadership and assistance in the development and expansion of neighborhood and community forestry programs.
- Participate in the Growing Greener Initiative and other environmental improvement programs that emerge.
- Develop educational programs about the role of natural resources in land use planning in areas of high growth and urban sprawl.
- Develop sustainable support for extension urban foresters and their Plan of Work.
- Michael Leff - President,
USDA Forest Service / The Davey Institute
- Matthew Erb - Vice President,
Tree Pittsburgh
- Jason Lubar - Treasurer,
Morris Arboretum
Anne Cumming - USDA Forest Service/ Forest Service Liason
Joseph Demko - PA Department of Transportation
Dan Devlin - DCNR FOrestry
Bernard F. Dincher - Northeaster Regional Community Representative
Patty Elkis - Regional Planning Organization
Dr. William Elmendorf - PSU School of Forest Rescources and Extension
Randy Fey - Southeast Area Communities
Dr. Henry Gerhold - Director Emeritus
S. Ted Gilbert - Southwest Regional Community Representative
Lauren Imgrund - DCNR Recreation & Conservation
Jim Kaiser - Turnpike Commission
Norman L. Lacasse - Director Emeritus
Jason Lubar - Morris Arboretum / ISA
Alan Sam - PA League of Cities
Carole Spahr - The Garden Club federation of PA
Benjamin G. Tresselt Jr. - At Large
Tom Vargo - At Large
Melissa Williams - Department of Community and Economic Development
Diane Wilson - Department of Envvironmental Protection
Trees provide many social, economic, communal and environmental benefits. Listed below are some interesting websites that will guide you to some wonderful arboriculture information.
Helpful Websites
TreeVitalize
Tree Benefits Calculator
National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council Trees Are Good
To become more involved in community project and volunteer opportunities, contact your local shade tree commission. If your community does not have a shade tree commission, here are some helpful links to get started.
PA Trees
National Arbor Day Foundation