Pennsylvania Horticultural Society receives Two Environmental Awards

Philadelphia, PA (June, 2007) The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) has been recognized for its environmental initiatives in two award ceremonies. The Home Depot Foundations “Award of Excellence for Community Trees” was presented to PHS on June 23 during the US Conference of Mayors in Los Angeles. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) presented PHS with its Regional Environmental Program of the Year Award on June 5.

As the winning project in the “large city category” of the Home Depot Foundation’s Second Annual Awards of Excellence, PHS was lauded for its partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).  The award honors a partnership project between a city and non-profit partner. “The Foundation was awed by what they saw and heard in Philadelphia,” said Michael DiBerardinis, Secretary of DCNR.  “The depth and breath of our TreeVitalize partnership goes unmatched and renews excitement about this work and the impact it can have. I'm so proud of all of our partners.” Philadelphia was chosen among 14 major cities including Chicago, Orlando, Atlanta and Oakland, Calif. For more information, please visit www.homedepotfoundation.org.

The Home Depot Foundation, in partnership with the US Conference of Mayors, identifies, recognizes, and celebrates the success and benefits of public/private partnerships in developing healthy communities through tree plantings. Its goal is to share outstanding examples of successful collaborations between nonprofit organizations and cities to demonstrate that healthy, safe and economically vibrant communities can be achieved through innovative and strategic planning and successful implementation of tree planting programs.
           
Along with PHS, Treevitalize partners include Air Management, Aqua Pennsylvania, Comcast, (PA) Department of Environmental Protection, Morris Arboretum, PECO, Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association, Philadelphia Eagles, U.S. Forest Service, University City Green, William Penn Foundation and county and local governments.
           
Philadelphia’s 5-county region has lost more than 5 million trees in the past 15 years. TreeVitalize, a public private partnership spearheaded by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources aims to plant more than 20,000 shade trees in neighborhoods and more than 500 acres of forested riparian buffers in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. This $8 million program targets
neighborhoods in older cities, boroughs and townships where tree cover is below 25 percent.
           
Philadelphia Green, the community outreach program of PHS, was also recognized earlier in the month by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission for its success in transforming vacant lots throughout Philadelphia and older suburban communities into vibrant green open spaces.  

The DVRPC, the federally designated metropolitan planning organization for the region, annually selects a small group of companies, organizations and individuals that exemplify the best in corporate decision making, environmental planning, leadership and commitment to the region. Recognized as the country’s most extensive urban greening program, Philadelphia Green works in partnership with neighborhoods and community groups.
           
J. Blaine Bonham Jr., executive vice president of PHS, accepted the award at the DVRPC Celebration of Regional Excellence Dinner in Philadelphia.
           
Philadelphia Green is the largest and most comprehensive urban greening program in the nation. Started in 1974, Philadelphia Green works with community groups and residents throughout the City of Philadelphia to plan and implement greening projects.  The program also partners with public and private organizations to landscape and maintain public spaces in the City’s downtown area and at its gateways. Proceeds from the Society’s Philadelphia Flower Show, along with funding from foundations, corporations and government agencies, help to support its projects.

FOR PRESS INFORMATION, CONTACT:
LAURA BEITMAN, email or call 215-988-8836