Spring has sprung, and there are trees to be planted

The Greening of Detroit's spring planting schedule is intensive and, to that end, the organization needs volunteers. Lots of them.

Project manager Ashley Atkinson explains, "We have an expanded mission, we have more work, and we get most of our work done with the help of volunteer labor. We really need a lot of people this spring."

A sampling of events include:

• April 14: harvesting and replanting trees from North Corktown's Hope Takes Roots community garden into the neighborhood;
• April 27: Greening of Detroit Park on E. Jefferson spruce up.
• May 5, tree planting at Gabriel Richard Park at the foot of Belle Isle's MacArthur Bridge;
• May 12, installation of a sensory garden at Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired; and
  
• June 2, planting of trees, shrubs and perennials for Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision's viaduct project.
  

A full calendar that lists all planned events with descriptions, times and locations is available at Greening's website. To sign up to volunteer, contact Monique Torbert at 313.237.8733 or send an email to [email protected].

The Greening will hold its annual Spring Tree Sale at Eastern Market on April 21 from 9 a.m. – noon. The event gives residents of Southeastern Michigan an opportunity to purchase trees and shrubs at extremely discounted rates. Call 313.237.8733 to request an order form or inquire about plant availability.

When the spring planting season ends, there will be plenty of additional volunteer opportunities through Greening's participation in the Garden Resource Program.

Source: Ashley Atkinson, Greening of Detroit
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh