Meet Our Team JULY/AUGUST 2022
Environmental Justice: Improving Access to Community Trees Celebrate With Us: 2022 Member Summit
Matt Spitsen, Program Manager, Alliance for Community Trees
October 17–19 in Nebraska City
What do you love about your work at the Arbor Day Foundation? I truly love getting to work with our nonprofit partners around North America that help us plant trees in neighborhoods and communities where they’re needed most. Building relationships with these organizations and working to develop new resources and funding opportunities for them, like our Environmental Justice grant program, is something I look forward to every day.
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The event will be held October 17-19 at Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. Attendees will enjoy three days of immersive activities and educational experiences for a meaningful, member-focused event like never before.
A One-Of-A-Kind Experience At the summit, attendees will:
How did you develop a connection with trees? Besides climbing them when I was a kid, I think my first true connection was with my Eagle Scout project in high school. While I would say they are tree adjacent, we planted 45 shrubs along the perimeter of a soccer field that ran parallel and uphill from a street at a local grade school. These shrubs grew together to form a living fence to stop soccer balls from rolling down into the street. And they’re still there 17 years later!
• Hear from industry experts on issues trending in the forestry community • Meet with Arbor Day Foundation leadership
• Interact with fellow members and share their passion for trees
• Receive VIP access and a behind-the-scenes look at the property
A Historic Destination Nestled in Nebraska City, Nebraska, Arbor Day Farm encompasses 260 acres of natural beauty and historical significance. This national treasure is home to Tree Adventure, our new-and-improved Apple House Market, and beautiful walking trails and scenic views.
What is your favorite tree? This is random, but ever since I saw the movie Gladiator, I have loved the Italian cypress. It is such a beautiful and regal tree that immediately improves your landscaping — and it’s great for adding attractive privacy to your home!
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Arbor Day Foundation
oin us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Arbor Day Foundation and the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day at the 2022 Member Summit!
But perhaps most importantly, Arbor Day Farm is where the Arbor Day Foundation’s simple mission — to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees — comes to life. Learn more and RSVP today at arborday.org/2022Summit.
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211 N. 12th St.
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Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
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lack of tree canopy is commonly found in underserved, underprivileged neighborhoods and often caused by a historic lack of investment in green infrastructure. This inequity means many people don’t have access to beneficial green space. That’s why the Arbor Day Foundation focuses on community tree planting where it’s needed most. Chicago’s Englewood community is just one example of this work. Englewood has long suffered from a lack of investment in green infrastructure. With an average tree canopy cover of just 23%, this Chicago community contends with the impervious surfaces that cover 51% of the land area. Amid this concrete urban expanse is Lafayette Terrace, a subsidized housing complex for seniors. Unfortunately, residents are exposed to higher surface temperatures, noise, and poor air quality due to a lack of trees.
Greening for a stronger community Through a partnership with the Chicago Region Trees Initiative at The Morton Arboretum — and support from our dedicated members, donors, and corporate partners — 21 trees were planted and 30 trees were distributed to add much-needed tree canopy to the housing complex grounds and surrounding area. These trees will grow to reduce air temperatures and noise while increasing air quality. They will also provide residents with green spaces to engage with one another, reducing isolation and loneliness. A total of 27 volunteers gathered to support the project. “It was wonderful to see so many people from different organizations and the community come together to improve Lafayette Terrace,” said LeeAnn Kruszynski with The Morton Arboretum. “The excitement of the residents and staff for the new trees was visible.” This is just one example of the dedicated tree planting happening to ensure equitable access to green space and a better future for all of us.