Trees add to the quality of life for those who live, work and play in our city
In 2011, the City Master Plan established a goal of increasing our tree canopy cover from 34.6% to 40%. In 2016, the Mayor’s Office, City Forestry Department, and nonprofit Friends of Grand Rapids Parks launched the Mayor’s Greening Initiative. This initiative serves as a way to engage the entire community in reaching the tree canopy goal.
Each year, the Mayor's Greening Initiative focuses tree plantings in an area of the city that has low tree canopy cover. Typically, the event includes a street tree planting project with volunteers, tree giveaway for private properties, and seedling giveaway for students, all in coordination with Arbor Day in April.
The initiative also includes recognizing a local honoree. Honorees are nominated and recognized by the community for their contributions to the city and neighborhood.
Mayor’s Greening Initiative 2021
The event will look slightly different this year due to COVID-19. Social distancing guidelines will be in place to protect neighbors and volunteers.
This year's area of focus is Plaster Creek Park and the Burton Heights Neighborhood.
2021 Dates
- May 1: Small planting of 50 trees in and around Plaster Creek Park in recognition of Arbor Day
- May 8: 100 Tree Giveaway for neighbors
- October 8 - 9: Planting of 250 street trees in the Burton Heights neighborhood. Different shifts and planting zones will be assigned to volunteers
Want to volunteer at one of the tree plantings? Click here!