Media: Fianna Dickson, 625.6297. Parks & Recreation: 311 or 755.2489.
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 9:37 a.m.
SPOKANE - Thirty new street trees will be planted in the West Central and Logan neighborhoods on Thursday, October 15 as part of SpoCanopy’s goals for increased tree canopy cover.
The plantings will take place in the West Central neighborhood from 9 A.M. until noon, and then in the Logan neighborhood from 1 until 4 P.M. Volunteers and staff are already lined up for the tree planting, which will follow local and state Phase 2 requirements and align with best practices as recommended by the Arbor Day Foundation.
SpoCanopy is a program of City of Spokane Urban Forestry and The Lands Council, aiming to ensure every neighborhood has access to trees and green space. SpoCanopy works with residents and volunteers to plant trees and beautify our city. The goal is for every neighborhood to have 40% canopy coverage by 2030.
The Lands Council staff and their volunteers conducted extensive outreach throughout the neighborhoods and identified places where trees were needed, and where residents are willing to care for them.
The trees are planted by the Lands Council staff and limited volunteers (due to Covid-19) with city arborist assistance, at no charge to residents. A corporate sponsor, Selkirk Development generously donated funds for a portion of the trees, and Townshend Winery is a sponsor of the project.
Requesting a Free Street Tree
City residents can request a free street tree by sending an email to cupdegrove@landscouncil.org or by leaving a message with name, address, phone number and email at 509-209-2407. The planting location must be within the City of Spokane city limits, and within the right-of-way. The right-of-way area may be a defined planting strip, or in some neighborhoods, space behind a sidewalk, or area adjacent to a curb (with no sidewalk). More information can be found online at https://landscouncil.org/urban-canopy.
Tree Benefits
Trees provide a wide variety of benefits such as storm water mitigation, providing habitat for wildlife and increasing property values. Trees also help to boost immune systems by reducing area pollution and air-borne particles. Studies have shown that time spent in nature and around trees can even reduce stress.
###