How to Get a Tree

Creating Canopy happens each spring. Staff and faculty of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania Hospital System are invited to register for a free tree two weeks before the giveaway event. Trees will be available to reserve on a first-come, first-served basis only through our online registration system. As part of our support of the City of Philadelphia’s Philly Tree Plan, priority registration will be given to Philadelphia residents. Learn what trees are available to select. 

• Priority Registration will begin Monday, April 21, 2025, at 10 a.m. for Penn and UPHS staff and faculty that are City of Philadelphia residents. REGISTER HERE.
• Open Registration will begin May 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. for all Penn and UPHS staff and faculty.

Limit one tree per household. Addresses, zip codes, and registration times will be verified.

Those who successfully register will be responsible for picking their tree up on Penn’s campus the day of the event, and transporting it home. Find more details in the Frequently Asked Questions.

Picking Up the Tree

When you register, you will select a time to pick up your tree. In order to keep traffic moving, please arrive during your chosen time slot. The tree pick up event will be on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 3-6 p.m. at the Penn Park Parking Lot (3100 Lower Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104). Many GPS systems to do not recognize "Lower Walnut Street", so please familiarize yourself with our campus map.

The responsibility is yours to get your new tree home. Bring your car, or arrange a ride. Some past tree recipients have made creative use of wagons or hand trucks to transport their trees.

The young trees that you pick up will vary in size. Some trees are 2FT tall, while others are 9FT. You’ll want to be sure your tree will fit in your vehicle. You may wish to bring a plastic tarp or blanket to protect your car from moisture and soil.

Directions: Travel East on Chestnut Street to the intersection of Chestnut and S. 31st Street. Turn right on to South 31st Street. Drive to the end of South 31st Street and bear left into the Penn Park Parking Lot. The Creating Canopy Tree Giveaway is located on the far east side of the parking lot.

How To Get Certified

1. Complete the Green Living Survey. The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete. You will answer questions about your living habits as they relate to sustainability and environmental impact. Each question is worth 1 point.
2. There are three levels of certification awarded based on how many points you achieve. Each level provides you with an additional entry into raffles to win fun, reusable prizes. Prizes include reusable tote bags, water bottles, metal straws and more.
3. You will receive your “Green Living Certified” sticker in the mail according to the level you qualify for. You will be notified via email if you win prizes from raffles throughout the year.

Certification levels:

• BRONZE - Achieved at least all prerequisites and at least 10 points.
• SILVER - Achieved all perquisites and at least 20 points
• GOLD - Achieved all prerequisites, at least 20 points, and completed all bonus questions.

How to Get Green Office Certified

1. Complete the Green Office Certification Checklist by marking all actions applicable to your office. The checklist with automatically calculate your score.  
2. Have at least 50% of your office sign the Green Office Certification Application Form. The application also requires a signature from your office head or program director.
3. Submit your completed Checklist and Form by emailing them to sustainability@upenn.edu. Please include "green office certification - [Office Name]" in the subject line.
4. Staff at Penn Sustainability will review the application. Offices will receive an e-certificate for the level achieved which can be printed and displayed publicly in your office. Your office will also be recognized here as a Certified Green Office.
5. Certification is valid for 3 years from the date of the award. To recertify, an office must submit a new application for certification. 

Overview

PennGreen is a Pre-Orientation Program for incoming students sponsored by Penn Sustainability and the Undergraduate Assembly. 

Penn fosters a robust culture of environmental sustainability, boasting numerous student organizations, student leadership positions, research avenues, and courses dedicated to sustainability. Moreover, we are nestled within one of the most eco-conscious cities in the United States, Penn enjoys an unparalleled setting for environmentalism and sustainability initiatives. PennGreen offers incoming students a unique Pre-Orientation experience focused on sustainability. It immerses participants in the vibrant eco-culture of both the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. 

Each year, the 5-day program evolves while consistently spotlighting environmental and sustainability-oriented adventures. Joining PennGreen means connecting with like-minded peers, discovering local green havens, delving into sustainable food networks, exploring eco-friendly initiatives on campus and beyond, discovering academic pathways in sustainability, and enjoying outdoor adventures like an overnight camping trip. Dive into a world where learning and fun meet sustainability!

Apply

Every year, the number of applications we receive exceeds the available spaces in the program. Participants will be chosen through a thorough evaluation of applications. Each application undergoes review and assessment by program staff and student leaders, leading to a consensus on selections. Those selected will be required to promptly complete registration forms and submit payment. Students are also welcome to apply to other pre-orientation programs and make their decision based on their acceptance status.

Applications for PennGreen open annually to incoming and transfer students through the Pre-Orientation Program website. The 2025 application period opens May 1, 2025 and closes June 18th, 2025, 11:59 pm ET. Application decisions will be available in the application portal on early July 2025. 

Program cost:

Program tuition is $395. Financial assistance is available to eligible students who qualify for financial aid. Please indicate this in your application for consideration. The program fee is inclusive of early move-in privileges, meals, transportation, and activity fees. 

If you have questions, please contact Penn Sustainability, at sustainability@upenn.edu.