Coon Rapids Embraces Earth Month With Tree Care Initiatives And Arbor Day Plant Sale

Coon Rapids Embraces Earth Month With Tree Care Initiatives And Arbor Day Plant Sale

April is Earth Month, and as part of the celebration, a series of initiatives have been launched to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. Throughout the month, a dedicated web page will offer updates and tips on living more sustainably — with the first week's focus on trees. Trees play a vital role in reducing the urban heat island effect and bolstering wellbeing, yet their significance often goes unacknowledged in our daily haste.

For tree care, both young and mature trees require attention to remain healthy. As the Coon Rapids Municipal website explains, watering is critical for tree health across all ages. Pruning is equally important; for young trees, it encourages the growth of strong branches, while for older ones, it helps manage the weight of weaker limbs and aids in recovery post-storm damage. Resources to learn more about tree care are available from the MN DNR or the University of MN, which includes a downloadable Tree Owner’s Manual from the USDA.

If you need to replace a tree, biodiversity should be a consideration. The MN DNR maintains a recommended list of native trees that thrive locally, and there are also several non-native trees expected to do well in our changing climate. Options such as the sturdy Kentucky Coffeetree, disease-resistant Hybrid Elms, soil-enriching Common Honeylocust, spring-flowering Ohio Buckeye, and the salt-tolerant Ginkgo offer a variety of benefits and can contribute to a healthier ecosystem. Proper planting is the final step, and guidance is available through the MN DNR.

The Arbor Day Tree and Plant Sale, which runs until April 23, offers an opportunity to contribute to urban greening efforts. Native plant kits are available at discounted rates, though supplies are limited. Residents are encouraged to add a new tree or native planting, no matter how small the space may be, to support local birds, pollinators, and wildlife.

In addition to planting, there's also a chance to get your hands dirty at the Earth Month Park Clean-Up event on Saturday, April 19. Hosted by the Sustainability Commission, volunteers can help prepare one of the city's most popular parks, Lion's Coon Creek Park, for the summer season. Interested participants can register on the Earth Month page.

SOURCE: hoodline