With the goal of planning as many trees as number of Toledo residents by April 2020, Tree Toledo is aiming to make the city greener one seedling at a time. With a goal of lessening the effects of climate change from the planting of trees and shrubs, Tree Toledo’s five-year plan might seem ambitious when you factor in all of the residents in the city— but with your help, it can grow to fruition.
Beginning Roots
Focusing on climate change, Tree Toledo began as an idea from the Holy Spirit Catholic Community’s Social Concerns Committee. Last April, the pastor of the church, Beverly Bingle, and church member, Tom McDonald, decided to start the organization. After presentations and consultations, they believed that planting trees would give back in more ways than one. After a small steering committee formed with participation from church members, Tree Toledo established its roots.
Seeing the forest for the trees
Through donations, Tree Toledo purchases seedlings from the Lucas County Soil and Water Distribution districts and then plants them throughout the community free of charge. Tom McDonald, co-founder, says that they are not looking for donations, but rather volunteers to help plant and spread Tree Toledo’s mission.
Tree Toledo also looks for seedling donations. During Spring, many suburban yards find random trees sprouting on the lawn. Before you mow them down, give Tree Toledo a call. They will happily perform a “seedling digging” to attempt digging up the seeds to be moved to more desirable locations, chosen with the help of planting volunteers.
Become involved
One of Tree Toledo’s biggest partnerships is Toledo Metroparks, and TT is currently helping the parks meet their 300,000 tree planting goal. This is no easy feat and can only be accomplished with the help of volunteers— for both organizations.
Tree Toledo also donates to local schools, churches and the Zepf Center. Each using the seedlings to plant trees in their respective location, and your business landscape could be next. If you’d like to join Tree Toledo more directly, they hold meetings once a month, usually at a public library, visit website for more information.
Tree Toledo, 3156 Doyle St. [email protected] treetoledo.org