Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards Offer Native Trees and Shrubs in Sixth Annual Fundraiser

From Penn State Extension

Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward program will hold its sixth annual native tree and shrub sale this fall in 29 locations across the state. Funds from your purchase will support the Master Watershed Steward activities in that region, such as stream repair projects, tree plantings, youth education programs, and more!

This year’s fundraiser offers 23 varieties of native trees and shrubs, including the highly requested pawpaw and persimmon. The Master Watershed Stewards will accept orders through Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m. or until sold out, with curbside pickup available in September or October. Pickup dates and times vary by location.

Master Watershed Stewards plant trees to intercept and infiltrate stormwater, stabilize soils, and filter pollutants. Whether residents seek trees for privacy, foliage, shade, attracting pollinators, or creating a beautiful landscape, the Master Watershed Stewards note that the program offers a variety of trees and shrubs to meet a wide range of needs.

Trees and shrubs will be available in two-gallon containers ($33), with one item offered in a one-gallon size ($20) and one item in a three-gallon size ($45).

Residents are encouraged to consider above- and below-ground utilities and mature growth size when choosing a tree for their property, and always to call 811 before digging. Details about each tree — such as average mature height, sun and soil moisture needs, and bloom time — are outlined on the order website. Master Watershed Stewards guarantee a healthy specimen at pickup. Due to variations in planting, site conditions, and care, no guarantee or refunds are possible after tree pickup.

Orders can be placed online (extension.psu.edu/mws-tree-sale-workshop) or by phone (877-345-0691) for curbside pickup in the fall. All items must be preordered. Plants will not be available for purchase at pickup sites. Funds from the sale will support the Master Watershed Steward activities in that region.

This year, the program offers pickup locations in the following 29 counties: Adams, Allegheny, Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Franklin, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming, and York.

Need a little more assistance in knowing how to properly plant and maintain your new tree purchase? The program offers a Proper Native Tree Planting for Long-Term Success webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m., after tree sale orders are placed and before the plants are picked up. The webinar is free to tree sale customers and $5 for non-customers.

During this webinar, participants will learn how to select planting sites and care for native trees and shrubs to ensure successful growth, with a focus on containerized species in the 2025 native tree and shrub sale. Register for the webinar at extension.psu.edu/proper-native-tree-planting-for-long-term-success. Residents must register to receive access to the live or recorded webinar.

Pick up dates and locations for Berks and Schuylkill counties are listed below. Any plants not picked up during this time will be donated unless prior arrangements have been made.

Berks County:

• When: Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Where: Berks County 4-H Center, 1206 County Welfare Road, Leesport, PA 19533

Schuylkill County:

• When: Saturday, Sept. 20, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: Hometown Farmers Market, 125 Mahanoy Ave., Rte. 54, Tamaqua, PA 18252

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at extension.psu.edu/mws-tree-sale.

The Penn State Master Watershed Steward program provides extensive training in watershed management to volunteers who, in return, educate the community about watershed stewardship based on university research and recommendations. The program was established to strengthen local capacity for management and protection of watersheds, streams, and rivers by educating and empowering volunteers across the commonwealth.

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