City of Richmond to expand tree canopy in partnership with Indiana University
July 11, 2024
For Immediate Release:
Richmond, Ind. – The City of Richmond is embarking on a city-wide initiative to enhance its urban tree canopy in collaboration with Indiana University's Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI).
With the support of ERI's 2024 Resilience Cohort program and McKinney Climate Fellow Rania Jamal, a graduate student at Indiana University, a comprehensive assessment of the community's tree canopy has been conducted. This assessment takes into account factors such as existing canopy cover, urban heat islands, storm water management, and sociodemographic variables to identify priority areas for tree planting and maintenance.
The three locations that have been identified as priority planting sites are the following: South A Street to North D Street from3rd Street to 20th Street, South H Street to South P Street from South 5th Street to South 19th Street, and South C Street to South F Street from South 12th Street to South 20thstreet.
Engagement with the community is a key focus, and their input and feedback on the priority planting sites and potential tree species is sought. To involve the community, upcoming events have been scheduled for gathering community input:
· Saturday’s Farmers Market, July 20th,9 am – 12 pm, Jack Elstro’s Plaza
· Boys and Girls Club “Back to School Prep Rally” July 23rd, 4 pm – 6 pm, 1900 West Main Street (McDaniel Unit)
Richmond Parks and Recreation Department's Laura Karnes, Landscape and Naturalist Leader, and ISA Certified Arborist expressed enthusiasm for the city's progress in the tree program and emphasized the importance of the partnership with Indiana University. Collaborative efforts aim to strategically plant trees in key areas to mitigate urban heat and enhance the well-being of Richmond's residents.
Mayor Oler is honored our city was chosen to participate in Indiana University’s 2024 Resilience Cohort Urban Green Infrastructure.
"Trees are an essential part of life on planet earth. They give us shade, fruit, lumber, and habitat for wild animals. As a National Tree City, Richmond recognizes their importance to our daily lives and encourages everyone to stop and appreciate how beneficial trees are to our daily lives." Ron Oler, PhD, Mayor.
A detailed planting and 3 year maintenance plan has been created that will be available on the city website soon. A survey will be available for the public on the city’s social media, as well as at the events mentioned above.
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Press Contact:
Laura Karnes, Richmond Parks and Recreation, lkarnes@richmondindiana.gov
Rania Jamal, McKinney Climate Fellow, ranjamal@iu.edu
To participate in the surveys for the Urban Tree Project see below:
Please click HERE for English version
Please click HERE for Spanish version
