The Utica Urban Forest Revitalization Project was launched at Kemble Park on Sept. 12 with a ceremonial tree planting.
Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime, Hamilton College President Steven Tepper, members of the Hamilton College men’s hockey team, staff from the Hamilton College Sustainability Office, city officials, consultants, and community volunteers were on hand to participate.
The revitalization initiative, supported by a $2 million federal grant, will last for three and a half years to fund tree planting, environmental restoration, and long-term sustainability efforts.
The project is designed to improve urban resilience, enhance public spaces, and create green jobs while tackling extreme heat challenges. The project also includes community engagement, workforce development, and ongoing tree maintenance.
More tree plantings
The next event will happen on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where approximately 70 trees will be planted along Howard Avenue and Seymour Avenue in East Utica. Once again, volunteers from the Hamilton College community will be joined by city staff and local residents will be on hand to assist.
In addition, there will be more trees planted on Sept. 20 and 27th, and then on Oct. 4 and 25. Various Hamilton College athletic teams, including women’s hockey, men’s and women’s basketball, lacrosse, tennis, and softball, will be participating in further efforts to green the city.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Utica Urban Forest Revitalization Project holds ceremonial tree planting at Kemble Park
Reporting by Daniel DeLoach, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
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