Scranton to Plant 250 Native Trees for America's 250th Anniversary

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail will get a native tree and habitat restoration project to commemorate the nation's founding.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:23pm

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In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America this year, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Scranton, Pennsylvania will get 250 native trees and shrubs planted along a section of the trail. The project, led by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and Lackawanna County Conservation District, will reflect the forested landscape that would have existed in the region at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Why it matters

This tree planting project aims to create a living legacy of America's 250th anniversary celebrations and establish a visible connection to the landscapes that shaped early American life. The new plantings will help filter stormwater, reduce erosion, create wildlife habitat, and support the long-term health of the Lackawanna River.

The details

The 250 plantings will include native species such as mountain laurel, rhododendron, Eastern white pine, and the historically significant American chestnut tree. Volunteers from the public, private, and educational sectors will help plant the trees and shrubs along a heavily used section of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail between the South Seventh Avenue and Broadway Street trailheads.

  • In spring 2026, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and Lackawanna County Conservation District will kick off the native tree and habitat restoration project.
  • The planting project is part of the America250PA activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The players

Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority

The organization that coordinates the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area and manages the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

Lackawanna County Conservation District

The local agency partnering with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority on the native tree and habitat restoration project.

Owen Worozbyt

The Director of Operations for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority.

John Morrow

The Volunteer Coordinator for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority.

America250PA

The Pennsylvania Commission established to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate commemorations of the nation's 250th anniversary.

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What they’re saying

“America 250 gives us a chance to think about what kind of legacy we want to leave behind. By restoring a native landscape along this trail, we're honoring the land as it existed at the nation's founding and creating something that will continue to grow and tell that story long after this anniversary year.”

— Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority

“This is what stewardship looks like. People showing up, putting their hands in the soil, and leaving something behind that will outlast the day.”

— John Morrow, Volunteer Coordinator, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority

What’s next

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and Lackawanna County Conservation District will work with volunteers from the public, private, and educational sectors to plant the 250 native trees and shrubs along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in spring 2026.

The takeaway

This tree planting project along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is a tangible way for the Scranton community to commemorate America's 250th anniversary and leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the local environment and ecosystem for generations to come.