By Richard L. Gaw
Staff Writer

This past Saturday, for the fifth consecutive year, a new kind of tradition in southern Chester County was renewed in perfect harmony with the arrival of Spring.

Wading through the pastures of the Curry Farm that were muddy from a recent drenching, a steady stream of visitors attended the farm’s annual native tree giveaway and celebration, where they sorted through and selected many of the 250 free trees and shrubs that were available to take home, including WitchHazel, Loblolly Pine, Willow Oak, River Birch, Indigobush, Serviceberry, Pawpaw, Persimmon, Silver Maple, Hazelnut, Red Oak, Elderberry, Sugar Maple and varieties of Willow.

“There are a lot of missions behind the native tree giveaway,” said Shane Palko, the owner of Curry Farm and a musician who has released 15 studio albums and performed his unique indie folk at official concerts in 31 countries across six continents. “I want to take care of some of the carbon I’ve created by touring to more than 30 countries. Another is the chance to build community, human and non-human. When I plant a tree, I love the place even more and we want to give people the chance to plant native trees and get attached to their own landscapes.”

The event also included an appearance by Dale Hendricks, the owner of Green Light Plants, who shared information with those who attended about planting native landscapes; musical performances by singer-songwriter Skyler Cumbia and 841 Collective, a band made up of musicians who live along Route 841 in southeastern Pennsylvania; and an art exhibit by Will Ramirez, a freelance artist and graphic designer based in Wilmington, Del.

Palko, a native of southeastern Pennsylvania, said that the Curry Farm has a special meaning to him, especially after returning from his often-grueling touring schedule.

“It’s the first time I have ever felt at home, even though I grew up here, and part of being home is having a rich community,” he said. “We’re creating space for biodiversity and diversity for the community to come and feel safe here.

“When people interact with their own landscapes, they meet others who care just the same, and the connections of these people who bring their passion to this event grows with each passing year.” 

To learn more about Shane Palko’s music, visit www.shanepalko.com.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].