SCRANTON, PA. – Mayor Paige G. Cognetti joined Scranton School District leaders to plant 10 trees at Scranton High School, 63 Mike Munchak Way, on Mon., April 14. The City received a $37,500 grant from TreePennsylvania’s Environmental Justice Forests program to plant 150 native trees this year, including cherry, elm, and maple varieties. Officials have arranged for 75 trees to be planted this spring, with the remaining 75 set for the fall.
“Planting additional trees throughout Scranton not only enhances the beauty of our City but also contributes to a healthier and more vibrant community,” said Mayor Paige G. Cognetti. “We are excited to improve our landscape, support natural stormwater management, and expand our green spaces.”
“We are so grateful to be a recipient of these trees that not only beautify the space at Scranton High, but also share a greater purpose of helping to purify the air and combat the effects of air pollution in this area of Scranton,” Scranton School District Superintendent Dr. Erin Keating said. “Thank you so much to the City of Scranton, Mayor Cognetti, and TreePennsylvania for this gift for both of our high schools.”
On Monday, representatives from the City and the School District joined members of Mr. Seamus McCormick’s Advanced Placement Environmental Science class to place trees along the traffic circle in front of Scranton High School. A similar planting is planned for West Scranton High School later this spring.
The remainder of the 150 trees purchased through the TreePennsylvania grant will be planted in identified environmental justice areas and City parks including, but not limited to, Connell Park, 800 Gibbons St.; Darcy Park, 900 Richter Ave.; and Weston Park, 100 Spring St.
TreePennsylvania’s Environmental Justice Forests grant program is a collaborative effort in partnership with Penn State Extension Urban Foresters and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Service Foresters. The program helps communities enhance green spaces, improve water quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and promote healthier urban environments.
Scranton was one of eight recipients in TreePennsylvania’s 2024-25 grant cycle.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020. Her administration is focused on driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, ensuring public safety, fostering government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Last modified: April 16, 2025
