Published: September 15, 2026 Category: Township Reading time: 3 min
Registration is open now for 300 free native trees from the Abington Township Shade Tree Commission, the township’s leaf vacuum program makes its first fall pass in about six weeks, and two meetings next week set up pool feasibility and budget season. Here is your mid-September checklist for Rydal-Meadowbrook.
The Shade Tree Commission is giving away 300 free native trees to Abington Township residents this fall, with registration open now on the township’s tree giveaway page. Each household can reserve up to two trees; if you take two, at least one must be a shade tree. Species on offer range from Sugar Maple, Eastern Redbud, and American Hornbeam to Tulip Poplar, Bur Oak, and American Sycamore.
Pickup is Saturday, October 24, 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Crestmont Park, 2595 Rubicam Avenue, Willow Grove; unclaimed trees go to walk-ups after 11:00 AM, so register early. A new native tree cools streets and shelters birds, right in line with the neighborhood’s mission of improving where we live.
Abington’s vacuum leaf collection returns in late October: 15 collection areas, three passes running through December. Leaves go to the curb by Monday of your area’s pickup week, by 7:00 AM on pickup day, loose or in 30-gallon brown biodegradable bags. Contractors need a free permit from the Public Works Office, 2201 Florey Lane, Roslyn. Watch the township site for the fall schedule.
This neighborhood hub has monitored township decisions and worked to improve Rydal-Meadowbrook for decades. Staying involved supports the Meadowbrook Bird Sanctuary, advocacy on Jackson Park and the Valley Road bike lane, and a seat at every meeting that shapes this neighborhood. There is no fee to follow along — showing up and staying informed is how neighbors make a difference.
Get involved today and help keep Rydal-Meadowbrook a neighborhood where everyone knows what is happening and has a voice in shaping it.
This week in Rydal: Registration is open for 300 free native trees from the Shade Tree Commission (pickup October 24), two township meetings next week set up budget season with a pool feasibility study on the table, and leaf collection prep starts now. Read the full checklist and learn how to join. Read more →
Written by Craig Lerch - September 15, 2026