Friends of Ballenger Run Community Street Tree Planting

FOR THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

Dec 6, 2025

Friends of Ballenger Run successfully completed a community tree planting initiative along Ballenger Creek Pike, enhancing the local environment and strengthening neighborhood pride, on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

The project was led by Savannah Elling, director of Friends of Ballenger Run, and supported by Bill Halpin, chair of the Ballenger Run HOA Grounds Committee. Joining them were student volunteers from the Tuscarora High School Horticulture Program and Delany Curran of Maryland Forest Services, who provided technical guidance and hands-on support throughout the planting event.

Together, 17 student volunteers planted eight native trees, including two hackberry, three swamp white oaks, and three pin oaks. These trees were strategically planted along Ballenger Creek Pike to provide long-term shade, improve air quality and increase native biodiversity.

“This project represents exactly what Friends of Ballenger Run stands for — community members and students working side by side to make our neighborhood greener and healthier,” said Elling.

The project was made possible through a grant from the Maryland Urban and Community Forest Council (MUCFC), which supports community-led efforts to expand Maryland’s urban tree canopy and promote environmental stewardship.

Friends of Ballenger Run is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and

enhancing the local environment through tree planting, beautification, and environmental education.

The organization engages residents, schools, and partners to promote stewardship and strengthen community bonds through hands-on sustainability projects.