NPS - National Park Service

04/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2024 07:35

Flight 93 National Memorial announces tree revitalization for Memorial Groves

News Release Date:
April 16, 2024

Contact:Katherine Hostetler, 814-233-8764

SHANKSVILLE, Pa. - Flight 93 National Memorial has started a ten-year project to revitalize the trees within the 40 Memorial Groves. The National Park Service and the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial are initiating the first phase of a public-private campaign to restore the living tribute to the Flight 93 crew members and passengers.

The 40 Memorial Groves and Allée (a tree lined trail) use 2,000 deciduous trees to define the open field where Flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001. This 30-acre landscape feature was planted to honor each of the 40 passengers and crew members aboard Flight 93.

Over the past five years, the National Park Service and the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation have worked with experts from Cornell University, Pennsylvania State University, and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) to evaluate soil inadequacies from years of surface mining, limited irrigation, and tree species selection. The interdisciplinary team has developed a ten-year a remediation plan to improve tree health and soil conditions.

"The Memorial Groves restoration project will ensure that these trees are here for generations to honor the sacrifice of the passengers and crew members of Flight 93," said Flight 93 National Memorial Superintendent Stephen M. Clark. "We are incredibly grateful for the coalition of the tree and soil experts who have come together to help preserve and restore the 40 Memorial Groves."

"This is an incredible opportunity for businesses, organizations and individuals to contribute toward a meaningful reminder of the power of individuals making a difference," said Donna Gibson, executive director, Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial.

This week tree experts plan to remove dead trees and begin preparation for soil improvement work, irrigation, and new plantings.