2012 Fall RNeighborWoods Tree Grant

Photo: On April 21, the RNeighborWoods team helped both the Historic SW and the Folwell neighborhoods plant 25 trees each, as part of their Neighborhood Tree Grant.

Trees make good neighbors.

Since its creation in 2004, RNeighborWoods has organized 3,816 volunteers to plant 4,805 trees on Rochester boulevards. These trees provide multiple ecological and other public benefits including reducing Rochester’s carbon footprint. Once again the City of Rochester, RPU and RNeighbors is offering two grants for winning neighborhoods to receive free boulevard trees.

Announcing the RNeighborWoods Tree Grant!

We have 50 trees that will all be awarded to two neighborhoods that want to pitch in and help get the trees in the ground! You can read about the success of this spring’s neighborhood grant recipients.

Now tell us your story and make a case for why your neighborhood is deserving of this leafy grant. Eligible neighborhoods must be either a registered Neighborhood Association in Rochester or willing to hear about the benefits of organizing into an Association. Applications can be filled out online and will be accepted through Monday, September 24, at 5 pm. Neighborhoods will need to work with neighbors determine appropriate tree locations.

Here’s a handy tip sheet for helping organise for the Neighborhood Tree Grant.

Tree varieties available have been selected by Jacob Ryg, City Forester, and include Ginkgo, Bur Oak, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Amur Maackia for spaces under power lines, the appropriate variety will be chosen that will not need to be cut back.

Each application must ensure:

• At least 30 neighbors and one Citizen Forester will be available to help with the planting. RNeighborWoods will oversee the planting.
• There must be a core planning group of four neighbors who commit to taking an active role in the planting planning.
• The core planning group from each neighborhood must assist in planting not only in their neighborhood but also the second winning neighborhood.
• Planting date must take place on Saturday, October 13, 2012, (rain or shine). First neighborhood planting at 9 am and second at 11 am.
• Neighbors will commit to watering the trees for three full years.
• Boulevard tree recipients must understand that there are times when trees do not survive. There will not be replacement trees for trees that die.

The purpose of the RNeighborWoods Tree grant is to encourage the planting of trees on neighborhood boulevards. RNeighborWoods recognizes the importance and value of trees in Rochester neighborhoods. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits such as lower crime, cleaner air, energy savings, more public revenue, higher property values, and more efficient stormwater management.

The RNeighborWoods committee will evaluate applications and make decisions at a meeting. Winners will be communicated with by September 28, 2012. Fill out your application today!

Check out RNeighbors on Facebook and see photos of some of our tree planting activities.

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