The all-volunteer charity that has reforested Western New York since the devastating surprise October storm of 2006 is once again making trees and supplies available for planting.
Various funding sources have contributed to ensure the continuation of this program. "We are thrilled that we are able to reach out once again to our volunteers that we can supply them with trees this fall," exclaimed Paul D. Maurer, Chairman of Re-Tree WNY, "this is thanks to the John R. Oishei Foundation, Seneca Nation, Garden Walk Buffalo, and several others that have stepped-up to help."
The Oishei Foundation has made a significant contribution to use for replanting City of Buffalo storm damaged trees and the Seneca Nation for those thoroughfares along the Old FirstWard/"Valley" section of Buffalo.
There are two ways to obtain trees: One for the City of Buffalo and another for the 19 other storm-affected municipalities that border Buffalo.
For the City of Buffalo, trees are available for planting along public rights-of-way (streets) and in public parks. Any group of three or more people can organize to plant, as follows:
- The number of people you have to help will largely determine the amount of trees that you can plant.
- Sign-up by going to re-treewny.org and click on the "How to Help section and navigate down to the "City Tree planting section" or go directly via this link: http://gobikebuffalo.org/news/complete-streets-need-trees/
- Once your registration is approved you will be given instructions via email as to how to access an online map and reservation system. This will allow groups to select the locations and the type of species you would prefer. (Please note that all listed species may not be available and that Re-TreeWNY will provide suitable substitutes). This is coordinated by Re-Tree with the City of Buffalo Department of PublicWorks, Parks and Streets.
- September 8th 2012 will be the deadline to reserve your trees.
- In order for you to receive your trees it is mandatory for each group to attend a tree planting and care training program. This is two hour class that will occur on October 20 & 27, 2012 - times and locations to be determined. The sessions are collaboration with Re-TreeWNY and the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
- If you have been receiving trees all along, simply follow the same procedures you have in the past.
The coordinator of the City of Buffalo plantings is Justin Booth, Re-Tree WNY board member and founder of Go Bike Buffalo. He may be contacted by calling (716) 218-7161 or email info@gobikebuffalo.org
If groups are in any of the outlying municipalities and would like to plant, contact Paul Maurer at pmaurer@entercom.com or by calling (716) 553-4061.
These municipalities include: Alden, Akron, Amherst, Blasdell, Cheektowaga, Depew, Elma, Grand Island, Kenmore, Lancaster, Lackawanna, Marilla, Newstead, North Tonawanda, Orchard Park, Pendleton, Tonawanda (City and Town), West Seneca, and Williamsville.
If you would like to volunteer your time in helping another group to plant and do not have a group to work with, please contact Paul Maurer.
This is great Im curious as to what type of trees they are currently planting and where..