A collective effort to improve our environment for people and nature.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EARTH DAY
We celebrated Earth Day by planting green buttonwoods and a mighty kapok tree at Intracoastal Park in Boynton Beach. April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Since 1970, Earth Day has increased awareness of the planet we live on, and encouraged people to learn more about pollution, climate change, endangered species, and many other environmental issues. Normally this month would be loaded with tree giveaways, volunteer events, happy hours and tree planting parties. While it was quieter than usual, it felt so good to be out planting trees to heal and give thanks to our one and only Earth. "Planting trees provides comfort and stability during this uncertain time. This Earth Day, the City is more grateful than ever to have Community Greening as our partner as we work to expand our tree canopy and build our community's resilience," said Rebecca Harvey, the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Boynton Beach.
TREEKEEPERS
Even though we've had 10 events canceled, we're busy taking care of the 1,397 trees that we've planted with you. We are currently watering, weeding, mulching, and pruning 646 trees in public parks, 210 fruit trees in urban orchards, 247 trees at schools, and 294 trees in public green spaces. Stephen said, "I'm thankful and grateful to be caring for trees outdoors. The parks are empty and it feels surreal with everything closed off." Dre said that "being able to work outside during this time has been great for my mental health. There is a lot going on in the world and taking care of trees gives me something to look forward to these days."
NATIONAL ARBOR DAY
We celebrated National Arbor Day by planting trees in the Pines of Delray neighborhood of Delray Beach. The residents are taking advantage of our fee-for-service residential tree planting program to add shade along their morning walking routes. This gumbo limbo is the first of 20 Florida native trees that also include paradisetrees and South Florida slash pine. It is exciting to see the tree planting campaign expanding in our Tree City USA. Pines of Delray Board President, Nicholas Coppola, and Vice President, MaryEllen Wazorko, want more trees to cool and clean the air, add to the neighborhood's character, and increase home values.
WE NEED YOU
Similar to many small businesses and non-profits around the country, the COVID pandemic has caused a critical loss of revenue due to the numerous event cancellations. April is our busiest time of year to plant trees, engage people, and generate revenue. Unfortunately, more than 10 events have been cancelled and $50,000 lost. The current situation is unlike anything we've ever seen. While the effects are damaging on many levels, the need for trees is not going away. If you appreciate the urban orchards, the tree plantings in parks, schools and neighborhoods, and the opportunities to work side by side, please support us during this time.
MEET A TREE
"We had a great time planting and digging the shovels into the ground!"
Patrick, Rebecca, Evelyn, and Alexandria with "Yummy" the Sugar Apple Tree.
PARTNER APPRECIATION
The theme of this newsletter seems to be thankful, grateful and fortunate. We feel all of this when we think of the relationships and partnerships we've made by planting trees. We are especially appreciative of the people who are standing by us during this challenging time to make our work possible. Gracey-Backer, our local family-run insurance agency, has renewed their $2,500 sponsorship to support our work to improve the community. John Gracey Backer, said "We are very proud to support Community Greening and their outstanding impact on the well-being of our community. The tremendous benefits of trees is indisputable. Thank you to Matt, Mark and the team for being good stewards of the Earth."
1. Follow this link https://bit.ly/2ynOz05
2. Make a $25 donation
3. Receive a dedication certificate via email
DID YOU KNOW?
There are more than 3 trillion trees on our planet.
A single, mature oak tree can have as many as half a million individual leaves, each one covered in tiny structures called "stomata", which act much like lungs.
It is the stomata where carbon dioxide gets in and oxygen sneaks out.
On a single square milimeter of a leaf, there are between a hundred and a thousand stomata, all equally preoccupied with their contribution to the vast breathing system of Earth.
In the spring, countless millions of newly grown and green leaves get back to cleaning the air of carbon dioxide.
Although not the only monitors of carbon dioxide, trees have a noticeably great impact on the planet's health, and they can't keep up with the amount of carbon dioxide that we are pouring into the atmosphere.
12,000 years ago, there were around twice as many trees, and consequently, planting them seems a more important pastime than ever.
Source: a great little book called "Eating the Sun: Small Musings on a Vast Universe" by Ella Frances Sanders
