Coming Soon to MoCo: 100,000 Trees (PHOTOS & VIDEOS)
Local leaders want to grow the county’s tree canopy. In fact, they have just unveiled an ambitious environmental initiative to plant 100,000 new trees in Montgomery County. MyMCMedia’s Sonya Burke reports.
Montgomery Councilmember Hans Riemer and County Executive Isiah Leggett joined together on June 2nd underneath an English Elm champion tree at James Monroe Park in Rockville to launch a countywide program that focuses on community engagement, protecting the environment, and beautifying neighborhoods by planting shade trees.
“The saying is that while the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago, the next best time is today,” said Riemer. “Montgomery County enjoys leafy neighborhoods, but in many communities our tree coverage is mature and if it is not replanted it will decline in the coming years. This initiative will seek to engage residents in planting new trees so that our neighborhoods will always have the benefit of a thriving tree canopy.”
According to local officials, the tree canopy legislation proposed by County Executive Leggett and passed by the County Council last year will provide ongoing funds for a tree planting program. The program will be organized through the Office of Sustainability to be located in the Department of Environmental Protection.
“Montgomery County is a statewide leader in protecting our environment and our neighborhoods,” said Leggett. “I support Councilmember Riemer’s initiative to keep Montgomery County green – and leafy by planting 100,000 new trees.”
The tree planting initiative seeks to engage residents in planting new trees throughout the county in a broad-based approach. The program will coordinate with neighborhood and civic groups, community and faith based organizations, schools, youth programs, environmental groups, companies and county government organizations. A user friendly website will facilitate resident engagement.
The initiative will seek to better coordinate plantings with areas of need in the county. It will also promote incentive programs to help residents plant trees and educate residents about how to care for them.
Look for more on this planting initiative in the fall.
You can watch the entire news conference below:
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