City of Spokane, WA

05/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/06/2024 15:37

SpoCanopy Expo Forest Tree Plantings May 7-11

SpoCanopy Expo Forest Tree Plantings May 7-11, 2024

311 or 509.755.2489

Monday, May 6, 2024 at 2:23 p.m.

Spokane, Wash. - Over 5 days, nearly 500 new urban trees will be planted across the City of Spokane and Spokane Valley to celebrate the SpoCanopy Expo Forest Tree Plantings for Expo's 50th anniversary.

  • May 7 - 8: Approximately 80 trees will be planted by The Lands Council staff and volunteers, with City of Spokane Urban Forestry assistance in the West Central and Emerson Garfield neighborhoods.
  • May 9 - 10: The Lands Council and Spokane Conservation District will restore an urban forest on their campus
  • May 11: Approximately 200 trees will be planted along the Appleway Trail in Spokane Valley

To add to the celebration, The Lands Council is giving away 100 free meals at each event from local food trucks, generously sponsored by Avista.

The Lands Council staff and their volunteers conducted extensive outreach throughout the neighborhoods and identified places where trees were needed, and where residents are willing to care for them.

The funding for these trees is provided by the Washington Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Grant and donations from our generous community members.

What is SpoCanopy?

SpoCanopy is a partnership between City of Spokane Urban Forestry and The Lands Council. It aims to ensure every person in every neighborhood in Spokane has access to trees and the many benefits they provide. Hundreds of trees have been planted through this program, at no charge to residents.

SpoCanopy works with residents and volunteers to plant trees and beautify our city. Our goal is for every neighborhood in Spokane to have 30% canopy coverage by 2030. Priority locations include northeast neighborhoods which currently have the fewest trees and lowest canopy coverage.

Trees provide a wide variety of benefits such as storm water mitigation, providing habitat for wildlife and increasing property values. Trees also help to boost immune systems by reducing area pollution and air-borne particles. Studies have shown that time spent in nature and around trees can even reduce stress!

Free Street Trees - learn more

Residents can sign up for a free street tree by visiting The Lands Council's webpage at Urban Canopy - The Lands Council. The planting location must be within the City of Spokane city limits and within the right-of-way. The right-of-way area may be a defined planting strip or in some neighborhoods, space behind a sidewalk, or area adjacent to a curb (with no sidewalk). More information can also be found online at the link above.

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