The City of Covington is looking for volunteers who aren’t afraid to get muddy — and definitely painful — with shovels to help plant trees in Peaselburg Saturday morning.
The City of Covington Forestry Commission and the City Forestry Department conduct a twice-yearly community tree plan with the goal of planting at least 52 trees in the ground along Russell Street and West 20th Street.
(Photo provided)
Volunteers should meet in the parking lot of Glenn O. Swing Elementary School (501 W. 19th St) just before 9 a.m. Volunteers will work in fan formations until noon or until all trees are planted.
If you go:
• Wear boots or sturdy shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Please bring gloves and a shovel if you have them (some may be available).
• Refreshments will be provided by Keep Covington Beautiful.
• Visit the Urban Forestry Commission’s Facebook event page.
why?
Covington Urban Forester Patrick Moore said the city typically plants trees each spring and fall in its mission to expand Covington’s tree canopy. About 50 trees were planted in Ritte in eastern Latonia this spring and on the Eastside last fall.
“Tree planting is fun and productive,” Moore said. “It is rewarding to see how the Covington community takes pride in working and beautifying their surroundings.”
In addition, planting has long-term health and environmental benefits, Moore said.
“Tree-lined streets are not only aesthetically pleasing, but science has shown that people who live in areas with more trees have better health,” he says. “Additionally, trees filter pollutants in both the air and groundwater, provide cooling shade, and block out street noise.”
Moore said tree species will include black gum (tupelos), Kentucky yellowwood, redbud, hawthorn and Osage orange varieties. We select trees according to the location where they will be planted.
For a complete list of how vibrant tree canopies improve neighborhoods, check out the city’s urban forestry page and scroll down to “Benefits of Trees.”
City of Covington