Arbor Day Helps SLC Parks Recover From September Windstorm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – September’s windstorm destroyed around 1,000 trees within the boundaries of Salt Lake City, and volunteers used Arbor Day to help repair the city’s parks.

“We kind of work as matchmakers to get the funds for trees from donations and then we get the trees at wholesale, bring them in and work to find parks like this that are in need of new plantings,” said Amy May, executive director for nonprofit Tree Utah.

The group usually has a pretty busy schedule this time of year.

KSL caught up with these volunteers at Liberty Park where they were planting a dozen shingle oak, London plane and hawthorn trees that will grow here, hopefully for generations to come.

But these roots won’t take hold without nourishment — and that’s where you come in. Tree Utah needs your help.

“We just act as a partner to facilitate as many tree plantings as we possibly can throughout the season and it’s all made possible with donations from individuals and corporate partners and grants,” May said.

So you can volunteer your time or make a donation to this nonprofit that truly is planting for the future.

I spent this lovely #ArborDay planting trees in Westpointe Park with @NickRimando, @IvoryHomes and @TreeUtah volunteers. 🌳Trees🌳 are so beneficial. They mitigate the urban heat island effect & clean our air. I appreciate community partners & their commitment to our urban forest pic.twitter.com/GUwCy3U4vu

— Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) April 30, 2021

We may not get to appreciate these newly planted trees in their fullness, but our children and grandchildren might.

Liberty Park was the subject on Earth Day but in the last week, May and her army of tree planters visited Fairmont, Rose and Rosewood parks too — and they aren’t slowing down.

Volunteers with Tree Utah were joined by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and volunteers from Real Salt Lake to plant trees in Westpointe Park Friday morning as part of the mayor’s 1,000 trees initiative.

RSL front office, grounds crew and team store staff teamed up with @TreeUtah to plant trees on #EarthDay! This effort at Liberty Park replaced uprooted trees from the September wind storm.
More trees needed!🌳
Donate to Tree Utah: https://t.co/wteCWFHumA#GreenerGoals #RSLway pic.twitter.com/yLaVo4WWLS

— RSL in the Community (@RSLcommunity) April 22, 2021

If you’d like more information, visit TreeUtah.org and see what they’re planting where you live.