Local volunteers today planted more than 30 trees as part of a streetscape improvement project in Warren. The planting was made possible through the support of Second Nature Brands. The company’s employees also volunteered to plant Linden Trees, Sweetgum Trees, Maindenhair Trees, Lavender Trees, White Spruces, Crab Apple Trees, Yellowwood Trees, and Jane Magnolias. alongside several other local volunteers.
“At Second Nature Brands, our vision is to make things better by nourishing people and nature,” said Victor Mehren, CEO of Second Nature Brands. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Macomb County and the City of Warren to continue our efforts to improve the tree canopy in the communities where we live and work. These trees not only beautify the neighborhoods but also contribute to the health and well-being of the residents. Our employee volunteers feel a great sense of pride participating in these events and in the last few years have planted nearly 200 trees locally.”
Trees were planted in the median on Hayes across from Macomb Community College. The addition of green canopy within that space will improve the area in a number of ways. According to experts, streetscape trees can create environments with:
- Reduced and more appropriate urban traffic speeds
- Safer walking environments
- Reduced harm from tailpipe emissions
- Added value to adjacent homes, businesses and tax base
- Less need for drainage infrastructure and offsets aerial flooding
“I’m thrilled that Warren will benefit from the generous support of Second Nature Brands’ investment in communities and environment,” shared Warren’s mayor, Lori M. Stone. “Residents expressed their concerns about the need for increased tree canopy during listening tour sessions about our parks and again regarding environmental sustainability. The City of Warren has identified areas that are prime locations for planting trees throughout the city. Having funding and volunteers provided for planting trees removes a couple of the barriers to improving tree canopy and carbon sequestration. I am grateful for public-private partnerships such as this opportunity.”
The event was led by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED), which has hosted several plantings this season through its Green Macomb initiative. Launched in 2016, the program aims to double tree canopy in Macomb County.
“Urban areas generally have fewer trees and a less dense green canopy, which can have a negative impact on a community,” said Gerard Santoro, program director for parks and natural resources, MCPED. “This section of Hayes Road in Warren has been underserved for some time, so today’s planting will be significant for nearby residents and businesses, and of course, Macomb Community College. With these new trees, we hope to make the area a healthier destination for everyone.”
Currently Macomb’s tree cover is 26 percent, which falls short of the USDA recommendation of a 40 percent cover or better in urban areas. However, along with residents increasing tree plantings on their properties, promotion and education will help the county reach that goal. Additionally, trees planted at the Warren event will help Second Nature Brands meet its goal of planting one million trees over the next five years.
More information on green canopy in Macomb County can be found www.greenmacomb.org.
Gerard Santoro
586-469-5285
gerard.santoro@macombgov.org
