The Corning Street Tree Project and the Southside Neighborhood Association are collaborating to plant trees starting this spring throughout the Crystal City.
Paul Ebeltoft, a Southside Neighborhood Association member, said the initiative will offer high quality saplings to residents, free of charge, in order to increase the city’s tree canopy and create greener, more welcome streets.
“Planting street trees is a simple yet powerful way to improve our neighborhoods,” said Corning City Mayor Pam Walker. “I am deeply grateful to the volunteers whose hard work is making our city greener, healthier, more welcoming, and more resilient for everyone.”
Jess O’Connor, a Corning Street Tree Project member, said volunteers from both organizations will work together to identify residents who would like to receive a tree.
The Corning Street Tree Project has planted 97 trees throughout the City of Corning since its start in 2017.
“Tree-lined streets increase property values, lower utility costs, and foster a sense of community and well-being for everyone,” O’Connor said. “The fact that we do this throughout 100 percent volunteer efforts and the support of trained arborists keeps the cost low and the results strong.”
Ebeltoft said the Southeast Neighborhood Association is excited to partner with the Corning Street Tree Project to bring more trees and greenery to the neighborhood.
“This year, the Southside Neighborhood Association will mark planting its 65th tree,” Ebeltoft said. “But there is so much more to do, and joining the Corning Street Tree Project will make much more happen. Our organizations bring different strengths to the partnership. This collaboration reflects the power of community working together.”
Residents will have an opportunity to select from a variety of street trees designed to thrive in different types of urban environments, officials said. The project is part of an ongoing effort to enhance neighborhood sustainability, reduce urban heat, and beautify community spaces. Community members will be invited to participate in planting days.
Ebeltoft said additional details about volunteer opportunities and planting dates will be shared in the coming weeks.
The Corning Street Tree Project also welcomes contributions to offset the cost of purchasing the trees.
For more information, to donate to the cause or to get involved, residents are encouraged to contact the Corning Street Tree Project through their website at corningtrees.sprout.site or the Southside Neighborhood Association at snacorning@gmail.com
Contributions to the Corning Street Tree Project can be made through the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes.
This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corning volunteers will plant trees free of charge. How to request one
Reporting by Jeff Smith, Corning Leader / The Leader
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