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LEWISTOWN -- It seems only fitting that Gary Gill was biking on a nature trail when learned about the 10 Million Trees for Pennsylvania campaign and decided to do his part.
"Planting trees protects our waterways by filtering toxins," the Lewistown man explained. "It's also good for the environment because it protects the land against soil erosion, produces oxygen and helps cool down the Earth."
It's true that trees clean the water, reduce erosion, increase property values, bolster the economy and stabilize the environment, but they can't do it alone. That's where volunteers like Gill come in, especially when it comes to the monumental undertaking of planting 10 million trees in the Keystone State by the end of 2025.
In 2018, tenmilliontrees.org set an eight-year goal to plant 10 million trees across Pennsylvania. That goal launched a movement that has involved collaborating with national, regional, state and local agencies, conservation organizations, outdoors enthusiasts, businesses and citizens.
As of November 2022, the count stood at 5,390,000 trees planted.
"Trees are beautiful," Gill said. "They keep the shade. We can definitely use more trees. That's what got me involved."
Gill is a volunteer with the Pennsylvania InterFaith Power and Light, a faith-based organization working on environmental issues including climate change, who partners with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to plant native trees and bushes.
Anyone with land in Mifflin and Juniata counties can order these plants at no cost to them by July 31 on a first-come, first-served basis. Also included is a tube and stake for each plant ordered.
While tenmilliontrees.org website only handles bulk orders of 25 trees or more, Gill can assist with smaller orders at vegangary1@gmail.com. He also can provide a link to an order form and a list of plants available as well as the host site where they can be picked up.
Gill said there are about 70 species available for fall, all trees and shrubs that are native to Pennsylvania and provide food for the local food web, starting with insects. Delivery of the plants will be in September or October.
The tenmillionstrees.org site has specific sections for farmers, landowners and volunteers to visit.
Farmers can learn how trees can become workhorses on a farm: stream bank trees improve and protect local water quality. Their strong roots help keep soil in place, and their leaves provide shade and a natural fence for grazing animals and livestock.
For landowners, trees can increase property values by up to 15 percent by providing natural privacy and shade as well as offering surprising cost savings by reducing heating and cooling and water treatment costs.
Volunteers are always needed for site preparation, stewardship, outreach events, landowner recruitment and tabling at events.
"I got involved with this a few years ago," Gill said. "Around the world, you can see the effects of climate change. It's only going to get worse if we don't do something."
While biking he met Greg Williams, a retired schoolteacher who had moved to the Williamsburg area and become involved with Pennsylvania InterFaith Power and Light.
"Every spring and fall, we put the word out that you can order trees," Gill added. "If you wait too long, it might be too late."
Gill is also involved with another area conservation project, the Old Crow Wetlands in Huntingdon County. Efforts are ongoing there to prevent the construction of a large Rutter's truck stop adjacent to the Old Crow Observation Area off Route 22 in Huntingdon.
Although Rutter's is not being built on the land, the fact that the truck stop would be so close is just as worrisome. That's why Gill joined the Coalition to Save the Old Crow Wetland.
For more information on 10 Million Trees, visit tenmilliontrees.org.