Longstanding Pennsylvania Partnership Celebrates the Planting of the 10 Millionth Tree in Hummelstown

After eight years of hard work across Pennsylvania by over 320 partner organizations and thousands of volunteers, the 10 millionth tree was planted today in Hummelstown as part of the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership initiative. This initiative, funded and supported by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), aimed to improve waterways by adding native trees to landscapes and communities across the state.

Leaders in the effort planted the 10-millionth tree, an oak tree, at Herbert A. Schaffner Memorial Park in Hummelstown.

“This is something powerful: 10 million trees planted across Pennsylvania in support of cleaner rivers and streams, healthier communities, and stronger local economies,” CBF President and CEO Hilary Harp Falk said.

“To make this happen, nursery growers, conservation partners, farmers, landowners, students, volunteers, and local communities all stepped up for the future,” she added. “Every tree planted keeps pollution out of local waterways, restores wildlife habitat, and strengthens resilience in the face of climate change.”

Speakers at the event included Falk; Cindy Adams Dunn, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary; Jessica Shirley, PA Department of Environmental Protection Secretary; PA Representative Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin); and David Roeting, Hummelstown Mayor.

Pennsylvania’s iconic Susquehanna River is the largest source of fresh water to feed into the Chesapeake Bay. However, many of its rivers and streams are damaged by pollution. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) 2026 Integrated Water Quality Report, 37 percent of Pennsylvania’s miles of rivers and streams do not meet clean water standards for water supply, aquatic life, recreation, or fish consumption.

Trees are good for rivers and streams. They absorb and filter polluted runoff from rainstorms before it enters waterways, and their roots help stabilize streambanks. Adding 10 million trees alongside streams, streets, and other priority areas accelerates Pennsylvania’s goals to reduce pollution to waterways. This number would bring the state two-thirds of the way to its goal of 95,000-acres of trees along streams and rivers to repair its portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Partnerships were a key part of this effort, and the hard work of many organizations helped make this lofty goal a reality.

“Planting the ten millionth tree is a powerful reminder of what Pennsylvanians can accomplish when we work together for clean water and healthy communities,” Secretary Dunn said. “Since 2018, this effort has transformed landscapes across the Commonwealth, strengthened our streams, and expanded the forests that protect our drinking water and support wildlife. DCNR is proud to be part of this achievement and remains committed to restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed for future generations.”

Trees also help local communities right where they are planted, as they are the most cost-effective tools for keeping communities clean, cool, and protected. They bolster local economies by increasing recreational opportunities like fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking, as well as raising property values. They also increase agricultural productivity and can even boost mood.

CBF has a lot to celebrate this year, including the 40th anniversary of its work in Pennsylvania, the expansion of environmental education program offerings, and the leadership of Governor Josh Shapiro to protect and restore all of the critical watersheds that run through the Keystone State, including the Chesapeake Bay.

This milestone is a cause for celebration, but reaching 10 million new trees does not mark the end of restoration for Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams.

“Celebrating our work in partnership with so many others to add 10 million new native trees to our landscapes across the state is just one important aspect of the work underway to improve water quality in PA,” said CBF Pennsylvania Executive Director Julia Krall. “Continued and dedicated funding for implementing conservation practices throughout the state, including on agricultural lands, will be key to Pennsylvania’s future.”

Falk emphasized the importance of Pennsylvania’s leadership to the Chesapeake Bay.

“As home to the Susquehanna, Pennsylvania plays an outsized role in the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Planting 10 million trees shows how, with Pennsylvania leading the way, we can leave a legacy of cleaner water and healthier communities for generations to come,” Falk added.