Environmental group plans a green canopy
In efforts to enhance the city’s beauty, one Springfield organization will take the green movement one step further, offering residents a chance to get involved through a program that is focused on planting trees.
Sustainable Springfield, a grassroots organization that promotes living and operating in an environmental friendly way, is launching the Urban Tree Canopy Program in efforts to replace trees that have been cut down.
Anne Logue, president of Sustainable Springfield, as well as other board members, believe that Springfield should work to increase the number of trees that are planted across the city.
Logue has been on a mission to heighten the local residents’ awareness about the diminishing levels of tree canopy in certain areas throughout the city. One area in particular that Logue is interested in sprucing up is the entrance to downtown Springfield via Clear Lake Avenue.
“Establishing an Urban Tree Canopy Program is Sustainable Springfield’s way of taking a positive approach to climate change and improving the downtown area,” Logue said.
Logue believes that the project will address issues with flooding and overall beautification of the city, while helping address climate change.
“The plan is to plant utility-friendly, native trees that help with flooding, keeping areas cool and beautiful, and they absorb carbon, all without requiring significant care if planted appropriately and given a solid start,” said Logue.
The utility-friendly trees that the organization is looking to plant will be a combination of dogwoods and redbuds, which are smaller trees that will bloom attractive flowers in the spring. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, utility-friendly trees are small trees that do not grow past 25 feet, not interfering with overhead utility lines.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “the net cooling effect of a young healthy tree is equivalent to 10 roomsize air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.” The Arbor Day Foundation has also noted that trees can help fight climate change, enhance the absorption effect of vegetation and soil and tame storm water.
Mark Mahoney, public works director, says the city of Springfield is on board to work with Sustainable Springfield in the near future after reviewing city-related ordinances.
Logue has estimated that it will cost $30 to plant each tree.
To gather support for the project Sustainable Springfield is hosting a kickoff event on Thursday, April 21, at Urban Sassafras from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. To further support the organization’s mission, Urban Sassafras will donate a tree for every $50 of merchandise it sells on April 21.
“We need to start measuring how much tree canopy is taken away. If you’re not watching and you’re not tracking, then the tree canopy can be very small,” Logue said.
Contact Brittany Hilderbrand at intern@Illinoistimes.com.
Event Details
Who: Sustaninable Springfi eld
What: Urban Tree Canopy Program Kickoff Where: Urban Sassafras 104 N. Sixth St.
When: Thursday, April 21,2015 5 pm to 8 pm
