ISA certified arborist STEVE PASCAVITCH is one of the most cherished and important team players to have ever climbed a tree since Awbury was founded more than a century ago. For the past twenty-five years, his insights, leadership and knowledge have been integral to the success of many transformative projects at the Arboretum, among the most noteworthy and enduring being the establishment of Adventurewoods and the restoration of our historic wetlands.  Steve has led hundreds of tree-planting initiatives, not just at Awbury, but all across Philadelphia, serving as a beloved mentor and guide to countless volunteers. In the 2010s he led one of the most highly realized iterations of the visionary PHS program Roots to Reentry, prompting one program graduate at the time to tell media outlet Generocity: “I didn’t think a tree could change my life, but it did.”  His deep commitment to our tree collection at Awbury, especially our heritage specimens, and his role in reforesting Philadelphia make him a true champion of trees and a new kind of civic role model in the struggle to defend our ecological common good. The unique collection of trees and plants that define Awbury today are thriving thanks in large part to Steve’s generous care and attention. His contributions of skill, knowledge and hands-on stewardship have left an indelible mark on our grounds as well as on the many people who know and love Awbury Arboretum.

Najjia Mahmoud and Mark Sellers
George McNeely & William O’Connor
Godfrey & Geraldine Pinder
Jonathan Strong
Sydelle Zove and Stephen Kaufman