The crash of hijacked airliner Flight 93 on September 11, 2001 in Somerset County, Pennsylvania and the heroism of the passengers and crew is a story known to most everyone. Less well known is the fact that the crash occurred on the site of a former post-1977 permitted surface coal mine which is now the location of the Flight 93 National Memorial, dedicated to honoring the lives lost and their heroism on that fateful day. Led by the non-profit organization Friends of Flight 93, over 150,000 tree seedlings have been planted at the Memorial over a 10-year period. The reforestation efforts at this site have had the dual purpose of healing the land from the effects of mining and also from the emotional scars caused by the crash of Flight 93.
While all reforestation efforts are worthwhile and rewarding, the work done at the Flight 93 Memorial has proven to be a deeply moving and rewarding experience for the participants given the significance of the location. Mineral Resources Program Specialist Eric Oliver was the key DEP staff member involved with reforestation projects at the Flight 93 Memorial and all other DEP involved efforts. He summed up the efforts of the volunteers and the significance of their work at this unique location: “The work that you do here will be visible for many generations to see when they visit the memorial. While we are continuing to heal from the events that took place on September 11, 2001, your work here is also allowing the land to heal from the mining that took place. I can’t think of a better tribute to the heroes and families of Flight 93 than what has developed at this memorial.”
On April 21, 2023 an Earth Day Project took place where Friends of Flight 93 volunteers, DEP and OSMRE staff planted 1,500 native tree seedlings as well as 625 shrubs and roughly 2,500 wildflower plugs. While the main plantings are now finished, it is anticipated that small plantings will continue for many years to come.