Volunteers in Tempe have been getting their hands dirty for a good cause. In a dedicated effort to enhance the city's green spaces, Keep Tempe Beautiful gathered 31 volunteers last Saturday for its 3rd Annual Tree-A-Thon, where the team planted 34 new trees across various locations. The initiative is part of a broader suite of efforts by the City of Tempe to bump up its canopy coverage and combat extreme heat.
The tree-planting spree focused on areas such as Meyer Montessori, Ward Traditional, and Rotary Park. Joe Forte, who spearheads Keep Tempe Beautiful as its Executive Director and Founder, emphasized the importance of trees for aesthetic appeal and as a boon to local schools. "Trees offer students more than just shade on sunny days; they provide tangible benefits that enhance educational experiences," Forte told the organization's newsletter. These actions align with Tempe's roadmap to a 25% tree and shade canopy by 2040, a move aimed at building resilience in the desert city.
Backing local organizations like Keep Tempe Beautiful is seen as vital for Tempe’s ambitious environmental targets. "Tempe has really big goals when it comes to shade and trees, and we can’t accomplish those goals without the support of organizations like Keep Tempe Beautiful," stated Eric Iwersen, Tempe's Transportation and Sustainability Director. His department, in concert with the Parks Department, were instrumental in the coordination of the planting event.
More than just a volunteer seeding session, the event entailed participation from local families, especially those from the Tempe Elementary District #3. Over 500 students from kindergarten to fifth grade could potentially benefit from these newly planted trees. The benevolence extends beyond the shade, as trees are essential in reducing energy costs, protecting soil, improving air and water quality, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. According to Keep Tempe Beautiful, this year's crop of trees is desert-adapted, ensuring they thrive in the hot, arid climate of the Valley.
With an open call for more hands, Keep Tempe Beautiful is inviting volunteers to jump on the bandwagon and help beautify their city. Those interested can sign up on their website to participate in upcoming events. The group hopes that by mobilizing community members, they can drive significant improvements to the landscape and sustainability of Tempe.
