News Release

National Memorial to Complete Ten Year Reforestation Project

Ranger standing next to tree with the numbers of how many trees were planted each year.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 5, 2022

Contact: Katherine Hostetler, [phone]

Contact: Elizabeth Shope, [phone]

Contact: Donna Gibson, [phone]

SHANKSVILLE, PA — Flight 93 National Memorial will complete a major reforestation project this month, fulfilling the original memorial design with 150,000 native trees. The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial, the National Park Foundation, and the National Park Service will host ‘Plant a Tree at Flight 93,’ on April 22 and 23. The tree planting coincides with National Park Week and is the longest ongoing volunteer service project at the memorial.

“Plant a Tree at Flight 93 has been a tremendous event and represents one of the most successful and popular volunteer activities at the Memorial. This year will be no different. As we successfully close this chapter, we look forward to future opportunities to partner with our communities, the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service,” said Fred Lukachinsky, president of the Friends of Flight 93.

Reforestation is part of the memorial’s original design and is meant to reclaim the former surface mine with native trees. This year, nearly 500 volunteers will help plant approximately 14,000 seedlings over twenty acres. Since 2012 more than 4,200 volunteers have planted 41 varieties of native trees and shrubs across 197 acres at Flight 93 National Memorial. The plantings have accomplished the largest concentration of Restoration American Chestnut trees in North America.

“Although this year will culminate with the conclusion of Plant a Tree at Flight 93, the original design intent by Architect Paul Murdoch has been achieved. The Flight 93 National Memorial partnership plans to continue the tradition of bringing volunteers together and working on various elements across the 2,200-acre memorial landscape,” said Flight 93 National Memorial Superintendent Stephen M. Clark.

Over 160 businesses, service clubs, academic and government organizations have helped to ‘Plant a Tree at Flight 93.’ The Friends of Flight 93 and the National Park Service are grateful to the many volunteers, sponsors and conservation partners who have contributed to the success of this decade-long project.

ABOUT FLIGHT 93 NATIONAL MEMORIALFlight 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 MEMORIALEstablished 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 FOUNDATIONThe 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.