This December, Downtown Inc invites the community to help shape the future of York’s urban forest at “Growing Together: Shaping York’s Urban Forest” on Tuesday, December 16th at 5:30pm at The Gunter-Smith Center for Community Engagement, 59 E Market St. This event is hosted in partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
Earlier this year, Downtown Inc received a $500,000 grant from DCNR to conduct a comprehensive tree inventory and canopy study and to develop an urban forest management plan. After a public request for proposals, Bartlett Tree Experts was selected to carry out the inventory and develop the plan, which covers the Central Business Improvement District and all major arterial streets within the City.
The study allows Downtown Inc and the City of York to catalog the public tree population, identify trees that may need removal, and detect smaller-scale health issues to proactively manage and grow York’s urban forest in the most cost-effective way. With remaining grant funds, Downtown Inc plans to conduct annual tree plantings in areas identified by the study and by the community as most in need of greenery.
At the event, community members will:
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Share your feedback on where you’d like to see more street trees
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Learn about the Urban Street Tree Inventory & Canopy Study
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Discover free educational opportunities about trees, their impact on quality of life, and how to advocate for and protect trees in your neighborhood
Your input is vital to creating a greener, healthier, and more vibrant Downtown York. Join us to learn, engage, and help grow our city’s urban forest.
