Michigan Arbor Day Alliance Tree Planting Grant

The City of Brighton was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance to replace dead trees. The city removed over 50 trees in 2020 because they were either dead or they posed a hazard to the public due to old branches hanging over the road. While some trees were not able to be replaced (i.e. they were under power lines, in a vacant wooded area along a roadway that connects two residential areas,underground utilities were too close to the new planting location, or the resident did not want a replacement tree in front of their house), the city was able to replace all trees that were removed where suitable replacement locations were available and requested.

Emmett County Parks and Recreation Department, Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga

Emmett County Parks and Recreation Dept. was awarded an $1,000 grant from the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance to create and improve the riparian habitat along the mouth of Berry Creek by planting Dogwood and Sumac trees. The funds also allowed the camp to plant six, 2.5-3 inch, Autumn Radiance Maple trees, creating aesthetically pleasing green barriers between campsites and in open areas. Camp seasonal staff was able to learn about the tree planting process, the ecological benefits of trees, and their value in public spaces. Establishing these trees has improved the shoreline of Berry creek which is a tributary to Pickerel Lake, the headwaters to Michigan's inland waterway. The waterway flows over 40 miles to Lake Huron connecting Pickerel Lake and Crooked Lake, the Crooked River, Burt Lake, the Indian River, Mullett Lake, and the Cheboygan River. The trees will prevent erosion and create habitat, increasing the biodiversity of the stream and helping the entire waterway ecosystem. Check out the news article on the tree planting here.