Marla Koss of Alameda Backyard Growers
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Project Tree was created in 2016 when the publishers of the Alameda Sun, alarmed at the decline of Alameda’s urban canopy post-drought, offered Alameda Backyard Growers (ABG) $1,000 to buy and plant some trees. A fledgling program was designed to purchase and plant fruit and shade trees in private yards around town. Project Tree Phase 1 eventually proved itself a success by putting 34 new trees in Alameda soil.
In 2019 Project Tree is returning with Phase 2. This phase includes a new enticement for residents with room to plant a tree: a coupon good for $25 off the price of a tree purchased at Encinal Nursery or Ploughshares Nursery from Jan. 26 to June 30.
Coupons can be picked up after attending the next Project Tree Workshop set for Saturday, Jan. 26, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. Proof of City of Alameda residency will be required (a recent utility bill, driver’s license, car registration, property tax receipt, posted mail or bank statement with name and address of the applicant). Supply of coupons is limited; limit one coupon per Alameda residence.
Besides the coupon, the Project Tree Care Workshop will offer information on choosing a tree, proper tree placement, planting and general care. Online tree care information will also be available as a free download.
“From newspapers, we shall make trees,” said Sun publisher, Eric J. Kos. “We’re doing what we can to offset our carbon footprint through another donation to ABG in support of Project Tree.”
For more information, visit the ABG website at alamedabackyard growers.org or email info@alamedabackyardgrowers.org with “Project Tree” in the subject line.