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Abington Shade Tree Commission reports progress on master plan, hiring of consulting arborist and invasive‑plant work
Summary
At the Aug. 14 Abington Township Board of Commissioners meeting, the Shade Tree Commission presented its 50th‑anniversary annual report, highlighted hiring a consulting arborist, rollout of an invasive plant management plan, and ongoing tree‑giveaway and planting programs.
The Shade Tree Commission presented its 2025 annual report to the Abington Township Board of Commissioners on Aug. 14, outlining progress on the township’s Master Tree Action Plan, ongoing pilot projects and community programs.
The commission co‑chair John Kennedy said the commission’s purpose is to “preserve and enhance Abington’s urban forest and the essential ecosystem services that trees uniquely provide.” He noted the commission marked its 50th anniversary this year and is planning a celebration later in 2025.
Kennedy told the board the commission helped the township hire a certified consulting arborist in August 2024 to provide technical expertise for the Master Tree Action Plan and to support multiple township departments. He said that as pilot projects move into regular operations, some operating costs will shift to the parks and recreation department and the commission anticipates requesting a smaller budget next year.
The commission reported several specific efforts under way: an invasive plant management plan funded in the 2025 budget and currently being developed; conversion of sections of park lawn to native plant and tree gardens to reduce maintenance costs and improve habitat; and participation in the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Outdoors Corps program to provide seasonal crews for invasive‑plant removal and replanting.
Kennedy said volunteers and staff logged more than 1,600 community service hours in 2024, and the commission planted more than 100 trees in township parks and natural areas. He also said the popular tree giveaway program has distributed about 2,000 trees to township residents to date, with another 300 scheduled for October.
On the proposed tree ordinance from the master plan, Kennedy said the draft has been reviewed by the consulting arborist and township staff and “is currently being reviewed by the solicitor and is anticipated to go to the Board of Commissioners working group within the next few months.” He characterized the ordinance as an update to bring Abington’s rules in line with current national standards and best practices.
Commissioners thanked the commission for volunteer work and for programs that address tree canopy decline, invasive pests and storm damage. No formal vote or action was taken; the presentation concluded and the meeting moved to public comment.
Looking ahead, the Shade Tree Commission asked residents interested in volunteering to sign up through the commission’s page on the township website and said it will continue pursuing state grant funding opportunities for implementation work once the invasiveplant plan is complete.
