UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward program will hold its sixth annual native tree and shrub sale this fall in 29 locations across the state. Funds from the sale will support regional Master Watershed Steward volunteer activities, such as stream repair projects, tree plantings and youth education programs.

This year’s fundraiser offers 23 varieties of native trees and shrubs, including the highly requested pawpaw and persimmon. Master Watershed Stewards will accept orders through 5 p.m. Aug. 27, or until sold out, with curbside pickup available in September or October. Pickup dates and times vary by location.

Master Watershed Stewards plant trees to intercept and infiltrate stormwater, stabilize soils, and filter pollutants. Whether residents seek trees for privacy, foliage, shade, attracting pollinators or creating a beautiful landscape, the sale organizers noted that the program offers a variety of trees and shrubs to meet a wide range of needs.

Trees and shrubs will be available in 2-gallon containers for $33, with one item offered in a 1-gallon size for $20, and one item in a 3-gallon size for $45.

Organizers encourage residents to consider above- and below-ground utilities and mature growth size when choosing a tree for their property and always to call 811 before digging. Details about each tree — such as average mature height, sun and soil-moisture needs and bloom time — are outlined on the order website.

Master Watershed Stewards guarantee a healthy specimen at pickup. Due to variations in planting, site conditions and care, no guarantees or refunds are possible after tree pickup.

Orders can be placed online or by phone at (877) 345-0691 for curbside pickup in the fall. Customer service hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. All items must be preordered. Plants will not be available for purchase at pickup sites.

To order:

• Browse available items in the tree and shrub catalog, which includes photos and detailed descriptions.
• Click the “Order Now” button at the top of the page to purchase.
• Complete the tree and shrub order form, selecting the quantities of each item desired for purchase.
• Choose the most convenient pickup location and date.
• To complete the order, provide payment and submit the form.

The program offers pickup locations in several counties, including McKean and Tioga.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website.

For those seeking assistance on how to properly plant and maintain a new tree, the program will offer the Proper Native Tree Planting for Long-Term Success webinar from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 10, after tree sale orders are placed and before the plants are picked up.

The webinar is free to tree sale customers and $5 for noncustomers. During this webinar, participants will learn how to select planting sites and care for native trees and shrubs to ensure successful growth, with a focus on containerized species in the 2025 native tree and shrub sale. Customers can register for the webinar online.

Residents must register to receive access to the live or recorded webinar.

The Penn State Master Watershed Steward program provides extensive training in watershed management to volunteers who, in return, educate the community about watershed stewardship based on university research and recommendations. The program was established to strengthen local capacity for management and protection of watersheds, streams and rivers by educating and empowering volunteers across the commonwealth.