New Trees Planted Downtown in Celebration of Earth Day
New Trees Planted Downtown in Celebration of Earth Day
Tucson Clean and Beautiful, City of Tucson and the Downtown Tucson Partnership Come Together to Plant Trees
DOWNTOWN TUCSON, April 22, 2019 – In celebration of Earth Day, seven new trees will be planted in the downtown core made possible through the combined efforts of Trees for Tucson, administered by Tucson Clean and Beautiful, the City of Tucson and the Downtown Tucson Partnership. The community is encouraged to join in and help plant the trees alongside Mayor, Jonathan Rothschild on Monday, April 22nd at 8:30 am. The first tree will be planted on the southeast corner of Broadway and Fifth Avenue.
"Planting trees helps us both mitigate and adapt to climate change. When planted to shade buildings, trees reduce cooling costs and energy use. Trees help counteract 'heat islands' in the built environment. They clean and cool the air, beautify neighborhoods, and add curb appeal to homes and businesses. That's why I've encouraged Tucsonans to plant trees through my 10,000 trees campaign." stated Mayor Jonathan Rothschild.
Four different species of trees will be planted including Red Push Pistache, Velvet Mesquites, Desert Willow,
and Texas Mountain Laurel. The new trees will replace diseased trees or those damaged by vehicles.
“Trees are one of the most simple and effective ways to reduce urban heat islands, and trees provide so many additional economic, environmental, behavioral, and health benefits, all at once; they are one of the most under-valued assets in our city. We are thrilled to be planting trees with our downtown partners and hope to continue this important work together,” said Katie Gannon, Executive Director of Tucson Clean & Beautiful.
“This planting is the first phase of a larger effort to increase the number of trees and shade canopy in Downtown Tucson. Trees are an integral part of the beautiful, safe and welcoming environment we strive to create downtown,” stated Kathleen Eriksen, CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership. Currently the downtown thoroughfares are lined with several different species of shade trees including nearly 180 live Oak Trees, noted for their beauty and extreme drought tolerance. Other species include Palo Verde, Red Push Pistache, Velvet Mesquites, Desert Willow, and Texas Mountain Laurel.
Founded in 1970, Earth Day is a day to honor the planet through tree planting efforts, civic engagement and organizational partnerships.
More information about the Downtown Tucson Partnership can be found HERE.