In the News
"Student volunteers team up with local org.
to beautify University City"
The Triangle, November 04, 2005
By Alexa Bonacquisti
University students joined with community volunteers to plant 100 trees in West Philadelphia Oct. 29. The event was organized by University City Green, a non-profit organization that coordinates volunteer greening efforts in University City.
The trees, which were provided by Pennsylvania's TreeVitalize partnership, were planted along Powelton Ave. from 38th to 43rd Streets. The volunteers assembled at Saunders Park, located at North 39th Street and Powelton Ave. on the morning of Oct. 29. The volunteers were divided into groups and members of UC Green gave instructions on how to plant a tree, and then the volunteers began to work. The event lasted approximately five hours and concluded with lunch provided by Ed's Pizza.
Dan Steinberg, a Resident Assistant in Myers Hall, organized the event along with Head RA of Myers, Jess DeLisa.
"With a little electronic and poster advertising, we were able to get more than 75 residents out to the planting," Steinberg said.
"Before the event, I viewed the tree planting as a way to knock out the five hours of community service," student volunteer Brian Carpentier, a freshman majoring in music industry, said. "But after having done the tree planting event. I felt accomplished in helping out the community."
Community residents appreciate the effort.
Student volunteer Sara Sidransky, a freshman majoring in graphic design said, "Neighbors and members of the community were extremely grateful that UC Green was helping to aesthetically improve their neighborhood."
The trees were planted along the street and therefore not on personal residential property, but some residents of the nearby homes came outside and offered assistance.
Student volunteer Andrea Theriault, a freshman majoring in interior design, recalled, "One of the women [who owned a nearby home] felt that since she was going to have a nice tree out front, she should clean up her front yard."
Theriault also remembered the gratitude of the residents. She explained, "before we left, the women from the houses thanked us profusely, telling us that they were so happy they had new trees on the street. I think ultimately [this project] will have a great effect on that part of the city."
University students were joined by other community volunteers from the Greater Philadelphia area, including students from University of Pennsylvania and University of the Sciences, as well as University City residents and Tree Tenders from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Overall, 100 trees were successfully planted, and formerly tree-less residential streets are now more aesthetically pleasing.
"It's great to be working on an important re-greening effort locally, and to know that we are part of a larger initiative," Amanda Benner, executive director of UC Green remarked.
That larger initiative will continue its efforts over the next two years, as UC Green plans to sponsor the planting of 600 trees throughout University City neighborhoods.
Overall, participants were satisfied with the event. Carpentier claimed he would recommend this activity to any student here at Drexel. Steinberg also felt the event was worthwhile.
"The event and turnout were great, and it's good to see UC Green getting press. The organization does wonderful things for University City," Steinberg said.
The event was hosted in celebration of National NeighborWoods Month, and it is one of dozens of similar activities being held throughout the country. October was named National NeighborWoods Month by the Alliance for Community Trees, a national nonprofit with which UC Green is affiliated.
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