We seek to preserve and enhance Abington's urban forest and the essential ecosystem services that trees uniquely provide.

The Abington Township Shade Tree Commission (STC) was created in 1975.  The STC serves in an advisory capacity to the Township, to ensure the health and sustainability of Abington’s trees and woodlands.  A recent assessment of the state of Abington’s tree canopy and the call to action can be viewed here.  The Commission’s duties are provided in Chapter 42 of the Code of the Township of Abington.  

In March 2023, Abington Township celebrated its 16th year as a Tree City USA® and received the Growth Award, marking its commitment to conserve and enhance Abington’s historical, cultural and environmentally important landscapes.  Properly placed and spaced trees clean and absorb stormwater, increase property value, reduce traffic speeds, improve pedestrian safety, cool us down in the summer, enhance our health and more! 

Please click on the icons below to be taken to more information about each topic. 

Abington Township Master Tree Action Plan and Interactive Urban Forest Story Map

Click here to listen to an interview with Trish Gallagher and John Kennedy, co-chairs of the STC, on the Plant a Trillion Trees Podcast. 

STC Priorities for 2024-2025 are:

Master Tree Action Plan (MTAP) implementation:

• Establish and support a steering committee responsible for implementing the MTAP.
• Adopt proposed ordinance for tree preservation, protection, and replacement.
• Develop a master plan for invasive plant and pest and biological disease management. 
• Increase involvement of planning, engineering, and constructing services in preserving and protecting and replacing trees.
• Continue collaboration with EAC to streamline Land Development review and recommendations.

Proposed Tree Preservation, Protection, and Replacement Ordinance:

• Our canopy is vanishing at an alarming rate. Our current tree preservation, protection, and replacement guidelines must be updated.
• New recommendations will help protect and grow our urban forest during future land development and streamline the review of development plans.

Engage Planning, Engineering and Construction Services to plant and nurture trees:

• Trees are a vital part of Abington’s infrastructure and provide numerous ecosystem services, including reducing stormwater runoff and flooding and improving water quality.
• Trees cool neighborhoods, reducing the urban heat island effect and saving energy costs.
• Trees make Abington a more desirable place to live, and they increase the property values of neighborhoods with more trees.

Increase resident involvement in stewardship of trees on private and public properties:

• Educate and Engage Residents to aid in stewardship of trees on private properties.
• Increase volunteers and uncover local talents to assistant with our indoor and outdoor needs.
• Seek Grants and Identify opportunities to assist the township with grant applications.

2023-2024 Accomplishments

• Tree city USA Certification for the 16th year.
• Tree City Growth Award recognizing high levels of tree care and community engagement to build sustainable, long-term community forestry programs.
• Strong Volunteer Engagement with over 1,740 hours of community service from local volunteers.
• Gave away 1,100 trees to Abington's residents.

2023 Annual Report

The Abington Township Shade Tree Commission is a volunteer organization, composed of five members who are appointed by the Abington Township Board of Commissioners, each for a 5-year term.  Current appointees are: Joe Acenzi, Robin Eisman, Trish Gallagher, John Kennedy, and Anna Nicholaides. This group’s collective professional expertise includes arboriculture, environmental engineering, horticulture, landscape architecture, forestry, habitat restoration, water resources, fundraising and planning.  The Shade Tree Commission is supported by the Township's consulting arborist, John Rockwell Hosbach Jr., who is an ISA-certified arborist and urban forester. Further, a multitude of STC Associates and Partners donate time, treasure and talent to supplement that of the appointed members. Lead Associates include Tanya Borman-Voit, Andrew Christy, Kristin Gaenssle, Kathryn Helmsley, Donna Rohner, and Nicole Tomlinson. 

The STC maintains a close working relationship with Township staff, through staff liaison Jessica Tholey, the Director of Parks and Recreation, Grace Sekelewski, Communications Manager, and Ashley McIlvaine, Assistant Township Manager. None of the STC's work could occur without their ongoing support. In addition, the STC collaborates closely with the Abington Environmental Advisory Council through its chair Karin McGarry-Rosen.  

The STC Base of operation is Grove Park, where the group maintains tools and materials to offer volunteer-staffed education and tree planting projects. The STC meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month, currently using the Zoom® platform.

Contact the STC at STC@abingtonpa.gov to learn how you can lend a hand or donate here.