SHANKSVILLE, PA — New tree seedlings will be planted when volunteers converge on April 23 at Flight 93 National Memorial. The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial, the National Park Foundation, and the National Park Service continue a major reforestation project that will result in 150,000 native trees at Flight 93 National Memorial.

Every year during National Park Week, America’s national parks host public events and coordinate volunteer opportunities to celebrate. This year Flight 93 National Memorial honors the tradition of National Park Week with ‘Plant a Tree at Flight 93.’

“The Friends are a proud partner sponsor for reforestation at Flight 93 National Memorial and for the past nine years this event has served as an opportunity to engage volunteers,” stated Donna Gibson, president of the Friends of Flight 93.

 

Reforestation is part of the memorial’s original design and meant to reclaim the former surface mine with native trees. Since 2012 more than 3,000 volunteers have planted 129,918 native tree seedlings across 167 acres at Flight 93 National Memorial. This year, nearly 200 volunteers will help plant approximately 7,000 seedlings over ten acres. The planting event has been modified for the health and safety of participating volunteers and is limited to pre-registered groups and forestry professionals.

 

“We strive for a safe, one-day event with the tremendous support and appreciation of our partners,” said Flight 93 National Memorial Superintendent Stephen M. Clark. “Our hope is to expand Plant a Tree at Flight 93 next year to a multiday event to accommodate additional volunteer participation.”

The Friends of Flight 93 remain grateful to the volunteers, sponsors and conservation partners who contribute each year. This year’s sponsors include: UPS Foundation, Roy A. Hunt Foundation, Hollern Insurance, Irene M. Kent, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, North American Höganäs and Sandra McCurdy along with many conservation groups and forestry professionals.

ABOUT FLIGHT 93 NATIONAL MEMORIAL

Flight 93 National Memorial is a National Park Service site that commemorates the passengers and crew members of Flight 93 who, on September 11, 2001, courageously gave their lives thereby thwarting a planned attack on our nation’s capital. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. For more information on Flight 93 National Memorial visit www.nps.gov/flni.

 

ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF FLIGHT 93 NATIONAL MEMORIAL

Established in 2009, the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial is the official nonprofit partner of Flight 93 National Memorial. The Friends’ aim is to inform, honor and pay tribute to the heroes of Flight 93 by supporting the Memorial with volunteers and resources. The Friends’ mission is to focus on awareness, education, volunteer support, preservation and stewardship. To learn more about the Friends, make a donation to support the memorial, or become a member visit www.Flight93Friends.org.

 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation works to protect wildlife and park lands, preserve history and culture, educate and engage youth, and connect people everywhere to the wonder of parks. We do it in collaboration with the National Park Service, the park partner community, and with the generous support of donors, without whom our work would not be possible. Learn more at www.nationalparks.org. 

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Contact:

Katherine Cordek, Flight 93 National Memorial, (814) 233-8764: katherine_cordek@nps.gov

Brooke Neel, Friends of Flight 93, bneel@Flight93nationalmemorial.org