(Berk’s Weekly) On October 15, Keep Reading Beautiful ‘s Amanda Funk and Tanya Melendez stood before a room of environmental leaders, community advocates, and beautification organizations from across Pennsylvania and shared a simple idea:

What if we could preserve Reading’s history, expand our tree canopy, connect residents to the natural world, and leave a gift for future generations… all by planting trees?

Moments later, that idea became an award-winning reality.

We are honored to share that the Black Walnut Legacy Initiative was awarded the $2,500 Investment Award at the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 2026 Convention.

The funding is important. But what this recognition represents may be even more meaningful.

It is a vote of confidence in Reading. It is proof that bold ideas can come from communities of every size, and that local residents have the power to shape a healthier and more beautiful future.

For our team, this journey did not begin with a grant application or a fundraising campaign.

It began with a tree.

As volunteers and community members explored Reading’s history, we uncovered references to a remarkable story. Historical records indicate that this black walnut tree was gifted to Reading from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate and was planted in Reading during the 1932 George Washington Bicentennial celebrations.

How do we honor the past while investing in the future?

The answer became the Black Walnut Legacy Initiative.

Read the rest of the article.