Shade Tree Commission

Our Mission

The Whitpain Township Shade Tree Commission (STC) is charged with overseeing and enhancing trees in Whitpain Township including individual specimens and forested areas on Township property. In addition, the Commission shall be an advocate for all trees throughout Whitpain Township.

The Commission’s responsibilities include looking after the care and health of all trees on Township property and rights-of-way while promoting opportunities to expand and enhance the Township’s valuable tree canopy and natural resources. The Commission’s responsibilities include the protection and management of our trees and woodland resources by promoting arboriculture education, tree planting and management throughout the Township.

The Commission will look after the woodlands and canopy cover within the Township due to the valuable ecosystem services that healthy woodlands provide. In addition the Commission will look for opportunities to restore, expand and enhance the value of our woodland resources for the benefit of our community.

The Commission conducts programs that increase the awareness of the values of trees and woodland communities and provides information on tree species and the proper care of trees and woodland areas.

As part of their responsibilities The Shade Tree Commission maintains a registry of Township Trees of Significance based on age, unique species, size and character. The STC also maintains a Woodland Map that identifies forested areas and potential public lands for reforestation.

Tree City USA

Whitpain Township has been designated as a Tree City USA community by the National Arbor Day Foundation since 1994. This is a national recognition for communities that effectively manage their public tree resources. Since 1999, the Township has annually received the Foundation's Growth Award, which is the next level of recognition that Tree City USA communities can achieve. In 2009, after earning the Growth Award for ten consecutive years, Whitpain was recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Sterling Community, its highest level of recognition. Only a handful of other Pennsylvania communities have ever earned this distinction.

Street Tree Program

Street Trees provide many ecological and aesthetic services which benefits our Whitpain Township community. Shading our streets and creating a harmonious landscape are among the greatest benefits that increase the value of our properties and sense of community pride. For these and many many more reasons the Shade Tree Commission has created the Whitpain Township Street Tree Program to promote the establishment of new street trees which will benefit our community for generation to come and increase property values. Please click here for application.

Heritage Tree Registry

Grand old trees found throughout Whitpain Township define the history and character of our unique and special community. For these reasons the Whitpain Township Shade Tree Commission (STC) seeks to recognize these important members of our community by recording them in the Whitpain Township Tree Registry. Township residences should submit potential tree candidates for the Tree Registry by completing the Historic and Significant Tree Registry Form. The Whitpain Township STC will review each application to be recognized as a Historic or Significant Tree in Whitpain Township.

See a sample heritage tree plaque here.

Whitpain Township Tree Canopy Program

Protecting and enhancing the quantity and Quality of the Tree Canopy of Whitpain Township is one of the Shade Tree Commissions highest priorities. Trees and forests, measured by Tree Canopy Cover, provides Whitpain Township residence’s with many ecosystem services which improve the health and well being of the community while also increase property value throughout Whitpain.

Through programs and other initiatives, the Shade Tree Commission is working to increase the quantity of canopy cover as well as the quality of the forests and trees that make up the tree canopy. All residents of Whitpain benefit from the quality and quantity of trees and forests that make up Whitpain’s Tree Canopy Cover.

Member Bios

S. Edgar David

Chair

Edgar David is a registered Landscape Architect and principle of SED Design, Landscape Architecture. He has been a Whitpain resident for 23 years. He has a passion for nature, the art of design and creating inspiring and healthier landscapes. Restoring eco-systems, so they provide the maximum beneficial ecosystem services is an important component to all projects and helps guide his role as Chairman of the Whitpain Township Shade Tree Commission

Mark Eberle

Vice Chair

Mark is a biologist with an enthusiasm for trees and native plants. He has been on Shade Tree Commission for 3 years, and enjoys sharing his passion with the Whitpain community to plant more trees, and continually make the Township a greener and more livable place. He appreciates the support of both the Township and public for the mission of the Shade Tree Commission.

Andy Meehan

Andy Meehan, arborist, is passionate about trees and caring for their health. Andy has been a resident of Whitpain Township for 63 years and an active member of the Shade Tree Commission for 26 years, the longest of any STC member. Andy represents the institutional heritage of the STC and is most knowledgeable about the history of trees throughout Whitpain.

John Cassani

John Casani is a certified Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Tree Tender and has a been resident of Whitpain Township for 20+ years. He currently serves on the townships Shade Tree Commission for the past 8 years and prior to that he served as a member of the townships Parks & Open Space Board for 5 years. John has a passion for the outdoors, is a wildlife conservationist and enthusiast. When not spending time with his family, he enjoys volunteering time and giving back to the community whenever possible.

Vince Marrocco

Vince Marrocco is an experienced horticulturist with an extensive history working in public gardens, private estates, and in conservation efforts both in the US and abroad. He is dedicated to making Whitpain Township a greener, more sustainable community. He advocates for the planting of trees to create healthier, happier environment.