COLORADO SPRINGS — The City of Colorado Springs set a goal to honor its 150th anniversary, and that goal is to plant 18,071 trees by the end of 2021.
Mayor John Suthers, City Forester Dennis Will and Parks' Director Karen Palus planted an Ohio buckeye tree in Alamo Square Park Tuesday to launch the "COS 150: Tree Challenge."
The challenge was named in honor of "Colorado Springs' long history of conservation and the vision of tree-lined streets initiated by its founder, William Jack Palmer, nearly 150 years ago," according to a press release.
"“With the help of City Forestry, the tree we plant here today at the Pioneers Museum will thrive and grow,” Suthers said in a press release. “While this one tree will make the city just a little better, what’s really exciting is that together we can accomplish even more. By our sesquicentennial celebration in 2021, our city will have 18,071 more trees, which will truly be a gift to the people that call Colorado Springs home now and for generations to come.”
The City said in the release that it will encourage residents, businesses and organizations to get involved and report newly planted trees through a form online.
City Forestry and Colorado Springs Utilities created an online toolkit that gives tips on what tree species will thrive in the Pikes Peak region and the best time of year to plant.
You can also track trees that are being planted as a part of this effort by clicking here.
The City said people can donate to the fund if they are not able to plant trees by dropping off their donations or mailing it to 1401 Recreation Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.
