April is tree planting season in Pennsylvania, and DCNR grants are making many riparian buffer and urban tree plantings possible across the commonwealth this year.
While these grants often support small business contractors for plantings, many grantees rely on volunteers to get the work done.
Volunteers do more than just get trees in the ground. Their work provides match to grant funds, which helps grantees meet their requirements while reserving available cash for project materials.
The current value of volunteer time, based on Independent Sector’s “Value of Volunteer Time,” is almost $30 per hour for Pennsylvania. At that rate, thirty volunteers planting trees for four hours would result in more than $3,500 of in-kind match.
Beyond meeting match requirements, volunteers themselves benefit. Tree planting is something families can do together, even with young children. It contributes to healthier communities, brings people together, and provides valuable and practical environmental education.
