City kicks off program with tree planting

Miller Neighborhood to receive 400 trees for NeighborWoods

(March 28, 2008) - State and City officials gathered at Crestwood Baptist Church today at NW 16th and Villa for a tree planting in celebration of the State’s Arbor Week.  The tree planting kicks off the City’s month-long NeighborWoods program, administered by the Planning Department.

Ward 2 Councilman Sam Bowman and State Department of Agriculture Forestry Coordinator Alanna McFarland joined neighbors and friends of the Miller Neighborhood Association in planting the tree, an Oklahoma Redbud.

“NeighborWoods is about coming together as a community,” said Iyla Griffin, NeighborWoods Coordinator.  “The trees we plant today will benefit the Miller Neighborhood for many years to come.”

Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy donated $25,000 to sponsor this year’s program.  According to Griffin, the donation will help provide about 400 trees for the neighborhood.

“This year’s program is particularly meaningful,” said Griffin.  “This neighborhood was one of the most hard-hit by December’s ice storm.  We hope by planting new trees in this area, we will be able to bring to these residents a sense of renewal.”

Local landscaping firm Seasons Lawn and Landscaping is coordinating the planting efforts.  Tree varieties to be planted include Shumard Oak, Loblolly Pine, London Planetree and Oklahoma Redbud.

Residents who sign up to accept a tree in their yard must agree to care for and maintain the tree.  The neighborhood association will also recruit volunteers to serve as Tree Tenders.  Tree Tenders will undergo special training to learn how to maintain the trees, including basic maintenance, pruning and watering.  The Tree Tenders will then serve as a resource to their neighbors for any tree maintenance issues.

“We work very hard with our local neighbors and our Tree Tenders to ensure the survivability of these trees,” Griffin says.  “The more help we can get, the better our chances are of success.”

For more information about NeighborWoods, or the Arbor Day Tree Planting, call Iyla Griffin at 297-1685.