We have 3 plantings and one environmental event happening this spring.

1. Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge planting

Thursday, April 22nd (Earth Day)

Location – 5437 W. Jefferson, Trenton

Time commitment: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Background -

This is phase 2 of a multi-phased restoration of a brown field site. The Refuge Gateway is the future home of the visitor center for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and is located adjacent to Humbug Marsh.

We will be planting 70 + hickory seedlings and 20 or so 1.75” to 2” b&b trees. This is Comcast Cares day, thus the weird start time.

Help needed -We could use planting help and specifically 2 - 3 volunteers who have helped out before with plantings to assist with quality control.

2. Wubbzy Tree Planting at Martell Elementary, Troy

Friday, April 30

Location: Martell Elementary – 5666 Livernois Rd., Troy 48098

Background:

Wubzy is a cartoon character from the “Emmy Award winning Nick Jr. preschool TV series” of the same name. We received a grant from the Alliance for Community Trees to do a planting to celebrate Wubbzy turning “green”. To celebrate we will be planting 6 trees with pre-school, kindergarten and 1st graders. Yep, this will be a first for us age wise! We are ordering small shovels and buckets so there will be as much student participation as possible.

We could use at least 6 volunteers. They would need to be there at 800 a.m. and would be done before noon. As important if not more, we need someone to wear the Wubzy costume and interact with the children. The person needs to be 5’2” to 5’4” so that the eyes line up. Wubzy is a ‘boy’ but does not speak so can be gender friendly. If you are willing or know anyone who might help us out please give me a call on my cell as soon as you can. A great community service project for someone in high school or perhaps an older scout. This really should be a fun planting!

The above event is not open to the public for obvious security reasons. So as to accommodate people who might want to bring their child to see Wubbzy we have arranged for Wubbzy to be present at the following environmental event.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

3. Trees for Tomorrow – Lathrup Village

Wubbzy will be helping us sell trees from 9 until noon and will be participating in the bike ride. Great family activity and photo opportunity. Everyone is invited to attend! Get more information here.

4. Greilickville Park in Elmwood Township near Traverse City

Friday, April 30

Location: East side of M22 just north of Traverse City

Time commitment: 12:00-4:00 p.m.

This is a revamping of an existing park located across the street from several water related non-profit organizations to make it more educational and accessible. We will be planting a creek corridor.

Volunteers with shovels would be appreciated.

2009 Spring Planting

Angell School with the students there in memory of Paul McCoy.

Ann Arbor on N. Maple Ave by the 14 with Guardian Tree Experts and the Peace Neighborhood Center.

Shelby, MI from the money donated by the Rothbury Festival, to offset the environmental impact of the festival.

Why organize a neighborhood tree planting?
• For every 4 urban trees removed, only 1 is being replanted.
• Trees cool and clean the air, mute city noises, store carbon dioxide, moderate harsh urban conditions, provide habitat for wildlife and display nature's beauty year-round.
• Participants learn how to choose, plant and maintain trees.
• Young people can help improve their community, with lasting results.