Washington Park East Neighborhood Association

Nov 2004 - Shade trees

Nov 03, 2004

Thousands of Shady Characters to Hit Denver?’s Streets: ?…The Park People, through its Denver Digs Trees program, will be distributing low-cost and free shade trees to Denver residents next spring for planting along the street in the public right-of-way. Denver Digs Trees distribution day is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 2005, at six locations across Denver. Tree request forms will be mailed this fall. Public trees are available only to residents of the City & County of Denver?…Since its beginning, The Park People?’s Denver Digs Trees program has helped distribute more than 25,000 trees in and around Denver. The organization has made a commitment to providing tree species that are best suited to Denver?’s dry climate. Among the species that will be available are: Shademaster, Honeylocust, Autumn Purple Ash, Northern Red Oak, White Oak, Patriot Elm, and Ohio Buckeye. A broader selection of species will be available through the sale, including flowering trees such as Japanese Tree Lilac and Aristocrat Pear?…
Denver Digs Trees embodies a level of community spirit and involvement that engages thousands of Denver residents each year in efforts to ensure the health and vitality of the city?’s urban forest. By promoting the many environmental, social and civic benefits of urban trees, The Park People engages citizens in initiatives to close equity gaps in underserved neighborhoods and to make trees a community priority across Denver. Along with the well-known environmental benefits of trees (energy savings, cleaner air, etc.), studies have also shown that trees help increase property values, reduce crime, and can even lead to children?’s improved school performance?… Denver residents wishing to receive a form should call The Park People?’s office at 303-722-6262, or send an email to info@theparkpeople.org. Trees for private property cannot be pre-ordered, but will be available for sale to the general public on April 16th. The Park People?’s Denver Digs Trees program is sponsored in part by Denver Water, Colorado State Bank and Trust, The Home Depot Foundation, Colorado Garden Show, Xcel Energy Foundation, Boeing, and the City & County of Denver.
(By Patrick Hayes, Executive Director, The Park People)