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Keokuk group looks into Quincy tree program
By Steve Dunn/Gate City Managing Editor
New trees could become more prevalent in Keokuk through a program similar to a successful endeavor in Quincy, Ill.
Recently, five members of the Keokuk Downtown & Community Streetscape Committee met with three members of the Quincy Trees for Tomorrow/Rebuild the Canopy program.
More than 200 trees have been planted in Quincy since the program launched in that West Central Illinois city in 2007.
“It was inspiring to see the work of a small group of people who have in a short time accomplished over 200 tree plantings in Quincy through individuals and groups donating trees,” said Katie O'Brien, who made the trip to Quincy along with Tim Peevler, Ed Kiedaisch, Charles Hunter and Wes Pohorsky. ”On the trip home we were all discussing the fact that it would be great to get a program like the Trees for Tomorrow going for Keokuk.”
Quincyians can donate trees by going to the Quincy group's Web site www.treesfortomorrow-quincy.com. Quincy Trees for Tomorrow/Rebuild the Canopy administers the Web site and determines where trees should go, according to Peevler. A local nursery actually plants the trees for the Quincy group.
“Our first target area was 12th to 30th on Maine Street and 24th from Maine to Aldo Boulevard. More than 150 trees were planted,” the Quincy group says on its Web site. “We invited everyone to join us in our campaign. We had a variety of well chosen trees, suitable for our area.
“Each tree was planted with root hormone, fertilized, wrapped, mulched and watered for the first year as a special service. Most new tree orders included a memorial stone honoring family members. Now when you drive through Quincy Historic District you can see what a difference Trees for Tomorrow has made.”
Not only do trees provide shade, but also they clean and cool the air, which makes breathing easier. Their roots prevent runoff that carries pollutants to rivers and streams, the Quincy group notes. Proper placement of trees reduces energy costs by as much as 50 percent.
The Web site lists trees that may and may not be placed under power lines. Trees that may not be placed under power lines include Red Sunset Maples, Armstrong Maples and Frontier Elms. Tree that may be put under power lines include Spring Snow Crab, Canada Red Cherry and Redbud.
Besides ordering trees, Quincyians also may order tribute stone markers to be placed with their trees. The markers are secured with cement to prevent theft and slippage.
Quincy has received the Tree City USA designation, which opens up other avenues for obtaining grants, Peevler pointed out.
“It was a great trip. They have been very successful with what they've done,” Peevler said, referring to the Quincy group. “I see no reason why it can't work here.”
“We can always use more people to help us ‘make it happen,'” O'Brien said. “If interested, let us know.”
The Streetscape Committee has been meeting since early spring. First, it identified projects to green the downtown and applied for a $100,000 federal grant. Second, it is working on getting planters for the downtown.
Peevler said the Keokuk group has discussed planting shade and ornamental trees in areas of the city where streets have been rebuilt.
Last week, the city's public works director, Gerald Moughler, presented a prospective list of trees to the Keokuk City Council for a possible tree ordinance.
Recently, five members of the Keokuk Downtown & Community Streetscape Committee met with three members of the Quincy Trees for Tomorrow/Rebuild the Canopy program.
More than 200 trees have been planted in Quincy since the program launched in that West Central Illinois city in 2007.
“It was inspiring to see the work of a small group of people who have in a short time accomplished over 200 tree plantings in Quincy through individuals and groups donating trees,” said Katie O'Brien, who made the trip to Quincy along with Tim Peevler, Ed Kiedaisch, Charles Hunter and Wes Pohorsky. ”On the trip home we were all discussing the fact that it would be great to get a program like the Trees for Tomorrow going for Keokuk.”
Quincyians can donate trees by going to the Quincy group's Web site www.treesfortomorrow-quincy.com. Quincy Trees for Tomorrow/Rebuild the Canopy administers the Web site and determines where trees should go, according to Peevler. A local nursery actually plants the trees for the Quincy group.
“Our first target area was 12th to 30th on Maine Street and 24th from Maine to Aldo Boulevard. More than 150 trees were planted,” the Quincy group says on its Web site. “We invited everyone to join us in our campaign. We had a variety of well chosen trees, suitable for our area.
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Not only do trees provide shade, but also they clean and cool the air, which makes breathing easier. Their roots prevent runoff that carries pollutants to rivers and streams, the Quincy group notes. Proper placement of trees reduces energy costs by as much as 50 percent.
The Web site lists trees that may and may not be placed under power lines. Trees that may not be placed under power lines include Red Sunset Maples, Armstrong Maples and Frontier Elms. Tree that may be put under power lines include Spring Snow Crab, Canada Red Cherry and Redbud.
Besides ordering trees, Quincyians also may order tribute stone markers to be placed with their trees. The markers are secured with cement to prevent theft and slippage.
Quincy has received the Tree City USA designation, which opens up other avenues for obtaining grants, Peevler pointed out.
“It was a great trip. They have been very successful with what they've done,” Peevler said, referring to the Quincy group. “I see no reason why it can't work here.”
“We can always use more people to help us ‘make it happen,'” O'Brien said. “If interested, let us know.”
The Streetscape Committee has been meeting since early spring. First, it identified projects to green the downtown and applied for a $100,000 federal grant. Second, it is working on getting planters for the downtown.
Peevler said the Keokuk group has discussed planting shade and ornamental trees in areas of the city where streets have been rebuilt.
Last week, the city's public works director, Gerald Moughler, presented a prospective list of trees to the Keokuk City Council for a possible tree ordinance.
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sas wrote on Nov 19, 2008 10:31 AM: