Grab a shovel and some gloves and help plant trees on West Lorain Street in Monroe.
Volunteers are needed from 8:45 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 25, to plant 35 new trees. The effort is designed to reduce stormwater runoff in the area.
The project is a partnership between ReLeaf Michigan, the city of Monroe, River Raisin Watershed Council and the US Forest Service. Volunteers will meet at 485 Village Green Lane.
The event coincides with National Arbor Day on April 24, a holiday that promotes environmental stewardship through tree planting.
According to the city’s website, an Urban Tree Canopy Assessment managed by project partners from Davey Resource Group identified the planting area as a priority for stormwater management benefits. Trees planted will help to intercept rainfall and reduce runoff.
Representatives from ReLeaf Michigan will show volunteers how to plant a tree and oversee the event.
Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and bring a shovel, rake and gloves. The event will take place rain or shine and no planting experience is necessary. Families are welcome.
ReLeaf Michigan is Michigan’s only statewide tree planting non-profit organization. It works with communities and organizations throughout the state to protect and restore urban tree canopies.
A tree canopy is a layer of leaves, branches and stems that cover the ground when viewed from above. Benefits include providing shade, improving air quality and providing habitat for urban wildlife.
A second tree-planting is planned from 8:45 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 1, in Milan.
Volunteers will plant 40 trees at Wilson Park, Milan Middle School and Milan Nature Park. This is a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative project funded by the US Forest Service.
— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Volunteers needed to plant trees in Monroe and Milan
Reporting by Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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