Centre Region Gifts-For-Parks
Remembrance Tree Program
(Page Updated 3 Jan 08)

"A tree is a keepsake that will mature with the seasons and transform a memory into a growing remembrance."

 For most people, trees are objects of powerful and personal attachment symbolizing strength and duration. Their beauty and grandeur improve our community settings and provide a special place for play, relaxation, and contemplation. A tree can be a keepsake that will mature with the seasons and transform a memory into a growing remembrance. Many people want a living reminder of departed loved ones. Others may want to plant a "family tree" to commemorate a marriage or the birth of a child, or simply to improve the community environment.

The purpose of the Remembrance Tree Program, as part of the Gifts-For-Parks initiative, is to replace or add trees to selected parks or recreation areas and to give the donor the opportunity to remember an event or a loved one.

The program is a joint project of Centre Region Parks & Recreation, the Borough of State College, the Townships of College, Ferguson, Harris, and Patton, municipal shade tree commissions, and the Borough Arborist. The program has been very popular since it started in 1994.

"A people without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as hopeless." Teddy Roosevelt, Arbor Day 1907

The donation amount includes tree planting services and material costs. The tree will then be maintained and, if necessary, replaced at no additional cost to the donor. Checks may be made payable to "Centre Region Parks & Recreation - Gifts-For-Parks." Credit cards are also accepted. An official receipt will be issued for each donation. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by the IRS. Donations are placed in a special account used only for Gifts-For-Parks donations.

The donation will be noted in the CRPR Remembrance Tree Roster on the CRPR website. The donor will receive a gift acknowledgment and a Remembrance Tree Program Certificate. The gift will also be listed in the Gifts-For-Parks section of the next issue of the CRPR Leisure Guide. A temporary donor tag will be placed in the tree, but the longevity of the tag cannot be guaranteed beyond 12 months from the planting date.

Please see the list (below) of evergreens and deciduous trees that may be selected for specific parks. Although the trees will be planted only in the spring or fall, they may be ordered at any time. Payment must be received prior to February 15 for spring planting and prior to September 15 for fall planting. Some species may only be planted in the spring. The trees will be planted by the arborist in the Borough and by Centre Region Parks & Recreation staff in the townships. Requested planting locations in a park must be approved by CRPR.

Trees Needed for Centre Region Municipal Parks
(Updated 18 Nov 05)

This list is for reference only and is subject to change based on prior plantings,  new park areas that may be added, and nursery availability.  Parks not listed here do not require additional trees at this time. Note that oaks, willows, redbuds, and planetrees are "fall planting hazards," and will therefore only be planted in the Spring. Hemlocks and ash will not be planted due to the threat of disease and pests.

Centre Region Parks and Recreation
2643 Gateway Drive #1, State College, PA 16801 (814) 231-3071 crpr@crcog.net

"Serving the Borough of State College and the Townships of College, Ferguson, Harris & Patton"

Published Oct. 2000; updated 3 Jan 08
The drawings were provided to the Remembrance Tree Program by the late Rae Chambers.