Glenolden Shade Tree Commission

10/15/2026

🌳 Protecting Our Local Waters & Community Health in Glenolden💧

An alarming new study on water quality has revealed that PFAS (commonly known as "forever chemicals"), have been detected in the vast majority of tested waterways nationwide, including a staggering 96% of waterways tested right here in Pennsylvania. So what exactly are "forever chemicals"? PFAS are man-made chemicals used in countless consumer and industrial products (like non-stick cookware, waterproof gear, and packaging) since the mid-20th century. Because they do not break down naturally in the environment, they accumulate over time (earning them the name "forever chemicals"), and frequently end up washing into our rivers, streams, and local water systems.

Why does this matter to us in Glenolden? As a commission dedicated to looking after our local environment and keeping Glenolden “Green & Clean,” we know that healthy trees, clean soil, and safe waterways are all deeply connected parts of a single ecosystem. Clean water is vital for our local wildlife, our parks, and public health. Protecting our environment starts with staying informed about the hidden pollutants affecting our region.

Here is the story from KYW:

A new report has revealed PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals,” have been found in nearly every body of water tested, including those in our region. | KYW Newsradio

09/17/2026

Our friends at Aldan Tree Tenders are bringing back a classic youth program with a “green” twist!

09/10/2026

🌳 Free Trees & Shrubs for Glenolden Residents 🌲

The Eastern Delaware County Stormwater Collaborative (EDCSC) is offering a Fall 2026 Tree and Shrub Giveaway!

Residents in EDCSC communities (which includes Glenolden), can choose up to 2 free potted trees or shrubs to plant in their yards.

Limit: Up to 2 potted plants per household
Order Deadline: September 30th
Pickup: October

Available Species:
Large Trees: Red Maple, Heritage River Birch, Sycamore, White Oak

Medium Trees: American Hornbeam, Winter King Hawthorne, Sweetbay Magnolia

Small Trees: Redbud, Flowering Dogwood, Serviceberry, Fringe Tree

Shrubs: Bottlebrush Buckeye, Red Osier Dogwood, Witch Hazel, Spicebush, Fragrant Sumac, Sweet Pepperbush, Red Chokecherry

Visit this link to place your order before September 30th: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKkfS2cP0L0K1XSo99Hiyp8DynQeLITh2JcfE4dcC6OFZgLQ/viewform?usp=header

For more information, you can visit the EDCSC’s website: https://www.edcsc.org/events-and-workshops

07/28/2026

“The American elm is remarkable. Its branches arch upward and outward, forming a cathedral-like canopy of green that can stretch more than 100 feet above the forest floor. Each autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant golden-yellow. “The elm is a tree which can be distinguished farther off perhaps than any other,” 19th-century naturalist Henry David Thoreau wrote in his journal. “It is beautiful alike by sunlight and moonlight.””

“American elms also help mitigate flooding, which climate change is making more frequent, intense, and devastating.”

Researchers in Vermont infected 5,300 American elms with a lethal dose of Dutch elm disease. Those that survive could help them build the most genetically diverse, disease-resistant population yet.

07/17/2026

We’ve all seen the hazy skies lately from the Canadian wildfires, and it’s a good reminder of how connected our environment really is. Even though the fires are far away, it’s worth thinking about what that means for our local trees here in Glenolden.

Does all that smoke bother our trees?

Actually, yeah. Even at this distance, it can have an impact: The thick smoke acts like a filter, blocking the direct sunlight that trees need to make energy and grow properly. Just like it can be tough on us, the poor air quality can stress trees out and drain their energy, which might affect their health for a while after the haze clears.

On a larger scale, fires like this are a huge deal because they release a ton of carbon dioxide and wipe out massive amounts of forest habitat. Since these fires are happening more often and getting more intense, it makes it that much harder for nature to bounce back the way it normally would.

It just goes to show how important our local tree canopy is! By keeping up with planting native trees and taking good care of the ones we already have, we’re doing our part to keep our community healthy and strong.

Thanks to all our volunteers, past and present for helping us Keep Glenolden Green & Clean!

Photo Credit: NBC News

04/20/2026

Huge shoutout to all the volunteers who spent their Saturday helping us plant new trees! It’s community spirit like yours that keeps Glenolden ‘Green & Clean.’ 🌳 We would also like to thank Aldan Tree Tenders for their continued partnership as well! PHS Pennsylvania Horticultural Society