Trees For Michigan!

It has been a successful second year for the Go Green Youth Challenge!  The fundraising program in the spring raised more than $15,000 this year!  This money was then put toward funding community tree plantings around the state through our fall Go Green Youth Challenge Tree Planting Grants.  Thanks to the money raised by our participating schools and by our generous sponsors, we were able to fund eight tree plantings in 2012.  Six of these projects will take place this fall (between October and November) and two additional plantings will be completed during the spring of 2013.

So what exactly are these projects and who is participating?  Here’s a nice little summary of what’s going on around Michigan so far.  A big Congratulations to these participants for completing their plantings early!

 

Montcalm 4-H Fair Association - planting completed October 7, 2012

The Montcalm 4-H Fair Association is a second year recipient of a Go Green Youth Challenge Tree Planting Grant.  Their planting was a part of a much larger vision for their fair grounds in Greenville, MI.  The area was originally soy/corn field and seriously lacking in shade or any kind of groundcover/landscaping.  In order to remedy this, several trees and shrubs were planted in 2011 to shade barns and provide visual and sound screens.  This year the project was expanded to 124 trees and shrubs.  The plants were used as living markers to define the parking area, buffer fencing at the arenas,  and as shade for the barns and Expo building.  The North Central and Country Kids 4-H Clubs were the lead, but there were also several volunteers from other 4-H Clubs as well as from the Master Gardeners program.  This group’s vision also includes native plantings to utilize for youth education.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delhi Charter Township - planting completed October 12, 2012

When you hear the words Dutch Elm Disease, many of you may recall the devastation which occurred when this fungus was identified in the United States in 1928.  What does this have to do with the tree planting completed by Delhi Charter Township in Ingham County?  The trees they chose to plant as part of this program were a continuation of a stand of Princeton Elm trees which was started in 2006.  The Princeton Elm is a horticultural cultivar of the native American Elm and was found to be resistant to the American strain of Dutch Elm Disease.  With the addition of eight trees this October, the stand now consists of 31 trees along McCue Rd near the Delhi Township Public Services and Recycling Center.

Pictures coming soon

 

Village of Dimondale - planting completed October 16, 2012

The Village of Dimondale supports the enhancement of their municipal streetscapes through annual investments in a Village tree program which includes both preventative maintenance and replanting efforts.  The funding from the Go Green Youth Challenge Tree Planting Grant made it possible to replace trees in a Village right-of-way that may have not been able to otherwise.  In 2011, Village workers were forced to remove the trees along East Jefferson Rd. due to a road reconstruction project.  As part of this year’s planting, Village officials included area residents by notifying homeowners about the upcoming project and the types of trees proposed for in front of their properties.  By including community involvement during the planning process they were able to best meet the needs of area residents.

Lewiston Downtown Development Authority - planting completed week of October 22, 2012

Like the Montcalm 4-H Fair Association project, the Lewiston Downtown Development Authority has a larger vision.  Currently, there are very few trees along the main street through the downtown area.  A large scale beautification project was the solution they found.  In addition to improving the appearance of downtown Lewiston, the trees planted would narrow the visual landscape as people entered town and naturally slow traffic flow.  The first phase of this project consisted of the planting of 110 trees of 8 different species in a 5 block area along CR 612.  The ultimate goal of this project is to plant along the entire one-mile stretch of this downtown road.

Pictures coming soon

Congratulations to these 2012 Go Green Youth Challenge Grant participants.  Updates on other Go Green Youth Challenge tree planting projects will be posted as they are completed.  And be sure to visit our website for more details and pictures!

More Trees for East Lansing!

PRESS RELEASE  

 

Contact Information:                                                                                               

Jennifer Hunnell                                                        Phone:  (517) 543-5848 x 5

Michigan Arbor Day Alliance                               Email:  miarborday@gmail.com

Eaton Conservation District                                  Website:   http://www.miarbordayalliance.com

551 Courthouse Dr., Ste. 3 Charlotte, MI 48813                           Sent:   10-19-12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On or after 10-19-12

 

East Lansing Goes Green…Again

EAST LANSING – In some ways the second 2012 tree planting sponsored by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) was vastly different from the first, but the message remained the same – MSUFCU supports green initiatives in Mid-Michigan.  A cold and rainy day greeted the volunteers who came out to Harrison Meadows Park in East Lansing.  Volunteers from the City of East Lansing and MSU’s chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha had come out to help plant 200 conifer seedlings.  The trees planted this day were significantly smaller than the hardwood trees which were planted earlier this year in May, only 12-14” tall.  The three species of evergreens (White Spruce, Norway Spruce, and White Pine) were planted in the hopes of re-establishing a tree line in the park that was lost due to underground pipeline construction.  Volunteers worked incredibly hard, the packed clay in some areas making the planting difficult.  In a few years, hopefully their efforts pay off in the form of a majestic stand of conifers adding to the beauty of this green space.

This planting was made possible by the generous contributions from MSUFCU.  $2,000 was donated this spring from MSUFCU’s Go Green Challenge program to plant trees in East Lansing.  After the spring planting had been completed, it was decided that a second fall planting would take place in order to best utilize their donation.  This is the second year of the partnership between MSUFCU and the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance.  The trees added on October 7^th bring the number of trees we have planted in East Lansing up to 480!  We once again thank MSUFCU and the City of East Lansing for supporting the continuation of tree plantings in Mid-Michigan.

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance (MADA) is a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Arbor Day throughout Michigan.  Our dedication comes from our belief in the importance of trees and their role in community health and well-being.  Since 1993, MADA has provided educational programs and services to Michigan communities.

MADA is a program of the Eaton Conservation District and is made possible through support from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Volunteers from MSU’s chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha

Wendy Wilmers-Longpre (City of East Lansing) with her children while retired forester Mike Vasievich teaches the kids about the trees they were planting

DNR Community Forestry Grants Now Available

The Department of Natural Resources has announced that applications are available for the 2012 Community Forestry Grants program.

Grant applications for community forestry activities are available from the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program. These grants are funded through the USDA Forest Service, State, and Private Forestry Program.

“Trees provide many benefits to communities, including shade, oxygen, and beautifully landscaped streets,” said Kevin Sayers, DNR UCF program coordinator. “These grants will help enhance the livability of our communities through tree planting and improve the management of our valuable natural resources.”

Local units of government, nonprofit organizations and schools are eligible to apply. All projects must be performed on non-federal public land or land open to the public. Community forestry projects considered for funding include:

• community tree management and planning activities
• training and education activities
• purchase of trees, and
• Arbor Day celebrations

Grant applications must be received by Sept. 14, 2012, to be given funding consideration for this grant cycle. Projects must be completed by Sept. 1, 2013.

This year up to $100,000 may be awarded statewide for approved projects. All grants require a one-to-one match of funds. The match may be made up of cash contributions or in-kind services, but may not include federal funds. Depending on the category, grants up to $20,000 may be requested.

For a grant application or more information, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/ucf or contact Kevin Sayers at 517-241-4632, via email at sayersk@mi.gov, or in writing at DNR, Forest Management Division, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909-7952.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.

For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

 

* This is a re-post of a similar announcement on August 4, 2011.

Tree Planting Grants Available!

 

 

 

 

 

2012 marked the second year of the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance’s Go Green Youth Challenge. The Go Green Youth Challenge engages Michigan youth in environmental stewardship, community development and service-learning through a statewide effort to plant trees in Michigan. Children, pre-K through 12th grade, are challenged to collect coins, as an individual, classroom or club, from January - April.  The coins collected directly fund community tree plantings.  The team that raises the most for the Go Green Youth Challenge is awarded a tree planting in their community and an invitation to the State Arbor Day Celebration in April at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

In the spirit of the Go Green Youth Challenge, Michigan Arbor Day Alliance is offering local units of government, public educational institutions, public libraries, non-profit organizations, neighborhood associations, churches and tribal governments the opportunity to apply for a Go Green Youth Challenge Tree Planting Grant!  Six tree planting projects were able to be funded in 2011, for a total of 195 trees planted!

 Grant applications are available online. Please visit, www.miarbordayalliance.com, to download an application. Applications are due no later than August 17^th, 2012 with tree planting projects taking place this fall.  Tree planting projects must be completed no later than November 30^th, 2012.

The 2012 Go Green Youth Challenge raised a total of $15,470 for tree planting in Michigan.  Michigan Arbor Day Alliance would like to thank everyone who participated including the sponsors, ITC, Lansing Board of Water and Light, Glenn Buege Chevorlet of Eaton Rapids, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Eaton Conservation District and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union.

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance is a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Arbor Day throughout Michigan.  Our dedication comes from our belief in the importance of trees and their role in community health and well-being.  Since 1993, MADA has provided educational programs and services to Michigan communities.

2012 Grand Prize Tree Planting in Oxford

Go Green Youth Challenge Tree Planting

OXFORD –Michigan Arbor Day Alliance along with ITC and Oxford Parks and Recreation celebrated with Daniel Axford and Oxford Elementary-Extended Day Program, the grand prize winner of the Go Green Youth Challenge (GGYC) on May 14th. The GGYC engages Michigan youth in environmental stewardship, community development and service-learning through a statewide effort to plant trees in Michigan. Children, pre-K through 12^th grade, were challenged to collect coins, as an individual, classroom or club, from Jan. 16 – April 9, 2012.  The coins collected directly fund community tree plantings. As the team that raised the most for the GGYC, Daniel Axford and Oxford Elementary-Extended Day Program were awarded 15 trees to plant in their community! A representative from the school was also recognized at the State Arbor Day Celebration on April 27 at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

Tree planting at Daniel Axford Elementary

“It was a great day to plant trees. The students were very excited to know they helped raise money to plant trees in Michigan and their own community. This was the second year of the program, and the second year Daniel Axford has won! The fact the students could see proof of their hard work, saw how much the trees planted last year had grown, was inspiring. This is what our program is all about, educating youth about the importance of trees so they can pass the message on to their peers and family,” said Jennifer Hunnell, Michigan Arbor Day Alliance Program Coordinator.

Nine trees were planted with the help of volunteers from the GGYC Grand Prize Team, Oxford Parks and Recreation, ITC, and Michigan Arbor Day Alliance. The trees went to five different elementary schools.  Classes at several of the schools were able to come out and participate.  The remaining trees will be planted at a local park later this year.  Photos of the event and planting can be view at, www.miarbordayalliance.com/photoalbum.

The Go Green Youth Challenge raised a total of $15,470 for tree planting in Michigan.  Michigan Arbor Day Alliance would like to thank everyone who participated including the sponsors, ITC Holdings, Lansing Board of Water and Light, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Eaton Conservation District, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and Glenn Buege Chevorlet of Eaton Rapids.

63 New Trees for East Lansing

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information:                                                                                               

Jennifer Hunnell                                                                    Phone:   (517) 543-5848 x 5

Michigan Arbor Day Alliance                                                Email:   miarborday@gmail.com

Eaton Conservation District                                       Website:   http://www.miarbordayalliance.com

551 Courthouse Dr., Ste. 3 Charlotte, MI 48813                   Sent:          5-29-12

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On or after 5-29-12

 

East Lansing Goes Green

LANSING – In partnership with Michigan State Federal Credit Union, Michigan Arbor Day Alliance planted 63 trees in East Lansing!  With the help of volunteers from Michigan State Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) and the City of East Lansing, trees were planted at Harrison Meadows Park, along Abbot Rd. and in a neighborhood north of Lake Lansing Rd.  This planting was made possible by MSUFCU’s Go Green Challenge campaign. MSUFCU challenged its members to switch from paperless to e-statements.  In return MSUFCU provided $2,000 to plant trees in the Greater Lansing Area.  The City of East Lansing has lost numerous trees to Emerald Ash Borer beetles.  The Go Green Challenge has replaced trees that otherwise might not have been.  To date MSUFCU and Michigan Arbor Day Alliance have planted 280 trees in the City of East Lansing.  Michigan Arbor Day Alliance would like to thank MSUFCU for sponsoring the Go Green Challenge and the City of East Lansing for becoming a Go Green partner.  To learn more about our tree planting projects visit our website, www.miarbordayalliance.com.

Over a 50-year lifetime, a tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion.  Studies have shown that trees enhance community economic stability by attracting businesses and tourists people linger and shop longer along tree-lined streets, apartments and offices in wooded areas rent more quickly and have higher occupancy rates, and businesses leasing office spaces in developments with trees find their workers are more productive and absenteeism is reduced.  These are just a few of the benefits trees provide to communities.

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance (MADA) is a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Arbor Day throughout Michigan.  Our dedication comes from our belief in the importance of trees and their role in community health and well-being.  Since 1993, MADA has provided educational programs and services to Michigan communities.

 

MADA is a program of the Eaton Conservation District and is made possible through support from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

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Celebrate Arbor Day 2012!

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

Contact Information:                                                              Phone:            (517) 543-5848 x 5

Jennifer Hunnell                                                                                Email:  miarborday@gmail.com

Michigan Arbor Day Alliance                                      Website:  http://www.miarbordayalliance.com

551 Courthouse Dr., Ste. 3 Charlotte, MI 48813                  Sent: 4-26-12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On or after 4-23-12

 

Why Arbor Day?

MICHIGAN – The Great Lakes are major natural resources Michigan is known for.  It’s even our state nickname.  But there is another resource that gets frequently overlooked, yet plays just as big a role in our great state – Trees.  There are over 100 different species of trees that call Michigan home.  Forested lands total an impressive 18 million acres.  Michigan also has the second largest State Forest system in the United States, outranked only by Alaska.

So what?  Why should we care about all of these trees?  Trees do more than just look pretty.  Trees are natural air filters.  One acre of forest absorbs 6 tons of carbon dioxide and produces 4 tons of oxygen in a single year.  And carbon dioxide isn’t all.  Trees also filter dust and harmful chemicals from the air.  They reduce storm water runoff in urban areas, reduce flooding, and stop erosion.  Shade trees reduce building heating and cooling costs and add to real estate value.  Shouldn’t a resource as multi-tasking as a tree be treasured?  That is what Arbor Day is all about…the celebration of trees.

So what can you do?  Spread the appreciation around.  Show how much we value this resource by celebrating it.  Attend a community Arbor Day Celebration, bring nature into the classroom and teach kids the value of trees, go on a family nature hike, attend a nature program, volunteer, recycle, or simply plant a tree in your backyard.  Interested in finding out more?  Our website may be able to help you out.

Arbor Day in Michigan is always the last Friday of April.  That means this year’s Arbor Day falls on April 27.  The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance will be holding the annual State Arbor Day Celebration at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.  Over 1,200 second and third grade students will come out and learn about different aspects of nature:  soil, air, water, wildlife and, of course, trees.

So what are your plans this Arbor Day?

 

            The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance is a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Arbor Day throughout Michigan.  The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance is a program of the Eaton Conservation District in Charlotte, MI and is made possible through a partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

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Things to Consider When Planting a Tree

Arbor Day is just around the corner for those of us in the northern states.  Individuals and communities plant trees for various reasons as part of this green holiday.  However, before you plant there are a few things you should think about.

Plant for Final Size:  It should go without saying that the tree you are planting today is going to get considerably bigger than it is now…..know that and plan for it.  Years quickly pass and before you think it will happen, a tree planted too close to your house will become a pruning nightmare and a foundation upending ordeal.

Plant for Energy Efficiency: Think about where the sun hits your home.  A well placed tree can reduce home heating and cooling costs.  Deciduous trees placed to the southeast, south and southwest areas of your house can provide considerable shade and natural cooling during the summer.  In the winter these same trees will lose their leaves and the sun will shine through to warm the house.  Planting evergreen trees to the North and Northwest of your home can help to block winter winds by changing wind patterns over or around the building.  These effects have been shown to reduce energy costs by 30 percent or more.

Plant for Safety: It is never a great idea to conceal the main entry points of your home.  Putting a tree or large shrub in a position that blocks the front door not only sends an uninviting message to your guests, but it also invites the wrong sort of visitor — that is, the kind that will take advantage of the opportunity provided by all the concealment and break into your home.

Plant for Aesthetics: Just like in flower arranging, architecture, or most design disciplines, scale, color and shape are important considerations.  There is a big difference between an oak tree and an apple tree.  (Small and prunable vs huge and imposing, obvious flowers vs obvious acorns, open habit vs dense, different shapes, etc.) Every tree has its characteristics, and you should choose based on the fullest set of facts, considering how it will enhance your landscape.

Plant for an ecosystem: Trees invite other creatures.  Song birds, squirrels, and a whole host of tiny creatures will inhabit a tree which provides a healthy home for urban (and suburban) wildlife.  But the ecosystem goes beyond just the wildlife.  Tree roots prevent runoff and erosion by holding soil; soil filters water and runoff.  More trees means that regional water quality improves.

Plant for Stress Relief: Did you know that studies have shown that 5 minutes of looking at a tree reduces your blood pressure and muscle tension?  So plant your tree where you can see it when you need to.

and finally:

Plant for Posterity. There are only a few of us that will be remembered, beyond our families, years after we are gone.  And only a few of us will create things that are cherished by future generations.  I’ve been trying to convey to my children that their adored pop idols are remarkably fleeting and so are the things that they have and do — but by planting a tree, anyone can make an enduring mark.  It is the easiest and most beautiful way to give something enjoyable and beneficial to our current world and also to the future people that will live here.

Click here to find out when Arbor Day is in your state.

And if you happen to live in Michigan, here is a link to our Community Calendar.  Local Arbor Day Celebrations will be added as we head into April.

The 2012 Go Green Youth Challenge

Ready or not, that time is here again.  Time once again to collect coins for the Go Green Youth Challenge.

For those who don’t know, the Go Green Youth Challenge is a statewide initiative to engage youth in environmental stewardship, service learning and community development.  K-12 students collect coins to fund tree plantings across Michigan.  Students can participate as individuals or as a group.  Groups of any size are encouraged to participate.  Prizes are awarded at the end of the Challenge and are based on group size and the amount raised.  The group that raises the most money wins our Grand Prize – a tree planting in their community and an invitation to the State Arbor Day Celebration at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

The 2012 Challenge begins Monday, January 16th and runs until April 9th.  Additional information about the program as well as downloadable start up materials are available on the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance website.  If you have any questions about the Go Green Youth Challenge email us at gogreenyouthchallenge@gmail.com or call (517) 543-5848 extension 114.

So, do you have what it takes to take on the Challenge?

Lansing Board of Water & Light Supports Go Green Youth Challenge

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance has announced that the Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL) is stepping up to contribute $5,000 to support its “Go Green Youth Challenge” initiative.

The “Go Green Youth Challenge” will engage Michigan youth in environmental stewardship, community development and service-learning through a statewide effort to plant trees in Michigan. Children, pre-K through 12th grade, are challenged to collect coins, as an individual, classroom or club, from Jan. 16 – April 9, 2012.  The coins collected will directly fund community tree plantings.

“We are pleased to support an initiative that emphasizes community outreach and youth participation, especially one with such a long-term impact.  Trees are an investment in our future,” said Alan Carroll, Principal Engineer for the BWL.

The team that raises the most for the “Go Green Youth Challenge” will be awarded a tree planting in their community and an invitation to the State Arbor Day Celebration on April 27, 2012 at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

Tree planting sites include school yards and conservation areas such as stream bank stabilization and habitat restoration. Through a survey, participants can provide input on where trees should be planted throughout Michigan.

For more information or to sign up for the “Go Green Youth Challenge,” contact Michigan Arbor Day Alliance at gogreenyouthchallenge@gmail.com or visit http://www.miarbordayalliance.com/.