eMacomb - Featured Article, Spring 2017

County plants first of 1,000 trees

Macomb County celebrated Arbor Day with a tree planting at Freedom Hill County Park. Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel was joined by students from Masonic Heights Elementary School to plant a tree – the first tree of 1,000 to be planted throughout Macomb County over the next year.

With funding through a U.S. Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant obtained by Green Macomb, plantings will take place in urbanized areas in the 12 communities along and south of the Clinton River. Green Macomb is focusing on plantings in areas with less than 20 percent tree canopy, with a regional goal of achieving 40 percent tree cover across Southeast Michigan. Approximately half of the trees will be installed through volunteer planting events managed by the nonprofit ReLeaf Michigan, with the other trees planted by local municipalities.

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Increasing tree canopy offers many benefits such as clean air and increased property values. This grant specifically aims to reduce stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution impacts through improved green infrastructure.

While efforts have been made to plant trees on public property, Green Macomb urges residents and business owners to get actively involved by planting trees on their own properties. To give residents access to affordable trees, shrubs and plants, Green Macomb partnered with the Sanilac/St. Clair Conservation District and Michigan State University Extension to offer a new plant sale at Freedom Hill County Park this past Arbor Day. Approximately 3,500 trees were sold to the public during this sale.

In an urban forest, almost every tree has to be intentionally planted by someone. By planting one tree at a time, residents are investing in the future of their communities and a healthy environment. The impact of these plantings will continue to grow as these trees develop and mature for decades to come.

More information about planting guidance, tree species selection and other Green Macomb efforts can be found at MacombGov.org/Green-Home.

eMacomb - Featured Article, Spring 2017

County plants first of 1,000 trees

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