Harrison partners with ATI, TreeVitalize to transform vacant lot in Natrona

A vacant lot used as a staging area for ATI trucks in Natrona will be transformed with ginkgo trees and other varieties in a partnership between Harrison and the mill.

Fifteen trees will be planted at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 3 in an effort to reduce water runoff and air pollution, said Tom Cajka, a member of the township’s tree committee.

He said the project also will provide nearby residents with privacy from the industrial site.

“It will definitely enhance the streetscape view of a once-barren slag parking lot,” he said.

The project is a cooperative effort by ATI, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the township.

Tom DeLuca, president of ATI’s Specialty Rolled Products business unit headquartered in Harrison, said the company has an obligation to ensure the viability of communities “where we live and work.”

“That includes getting involved in opportunities like this tree planting,” he said. “It’s important for us to give back and be personally involved.”

Spearheaded by Harrison Commissioner Chuck Dizard, the project will bring new life to an otherwise lackluster stretch of Federal Street.

Forester Brian Crooks from TreeVitalize Pittsburgh said tree varieties will include green vase Zelkova, Princeton sentry ginkgo, white shield osage orange and honey locust.

“This event will be especially rewarding, as we are planting trees in an area with very little existing tree canopy,” Crooks said.

Species were chosen specifically for this site, as they are more likely to handle the extreme conditions of steady sunlight and occasional drought, he said.

“They are also all very upright in growth. We wanted to accommodate ATI’s use of the site and the frequent high volume of truck traffic,” Crooks said. “The shape and branching arrangement of these trees will allow for much more visibility compared to other kinds of trees.”

Harrison volunteers will join ATI employees to plant the trees.

Dizard said that because of the difficult terrain, planting beds that are twice the usual size will be dug before the event.

“ATI repositioned the jersey barriers along the lot to create a protected six-foot planting and growth corridor,” Dizard said. “This gives the trees a healthy growing environment.”

The trees will not interfere with traffic flow, he said.

Dizard said this is the first time the township and ATI have collaborated on a major tree planting.

“We’ll be elbow-to-elbow, working together,” he said. “It’s a great community event.”

ATI employee Theresa Walter said she’s eager to pitch in.

“It makes me proud to say, ‘I helped to build this or plant that.’ I think we need more volunteering to help neighbors.”

Marshall Stresky, senior manager on ATI’s digital technology team, said the initiative is a great chance to beautify the space and lessen the industrial view that had seemed integrated into the neighborhood.

“A contribution of a little bit by a lot of folks can make a big difference,” he said. “I’m glad to be able to add my little bit.”