Like many urban areas, Wichita has experienced tree loss as new development and construction have pushed aside green spaces for concrete ones. Wichita has also experienced tree loss due to recent unusual destructive summer and winter storms. It is estimated that over the last two years 10,000 trees have been lost to storms. The estimate includes 1,000 trees on public property and over 9,000 on private property.
The City of Wichita encourages the citizens to educate themselves on the benefits of tree planting and tree care. This new program will include ways to integrate tree planning in residential and commercial developments as well as planting and maintenance in established neighborhoods.
This can mean:
- The return to tree lined streets;
- Shade for pedestrian areas in the downtown business district;
- The promotion of environmental stewardship;
- The development of a TreeKeeper program;
- And the development of a TreeKeeper Kids program with local schools;
- Trees will help clean the air we breath; and
- We will conserve precious energy while reducing cooling costs.
But most of all, it is important to hold on and embrace nature's finest treasure -
the tree.
Why should you get involved? Because, it's important for ALL of us...