What the heck is an urban forest? And what are people saying about it? There’s an ongoing conversation about our urban forest, and we’d love to have your voice join it, too.
By: Lee Mueller For two and a half years Ive had the pleasure to work with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and all our wonderful volunteers to build a program thats garnered state and national attention. While the program continues to develop and grow, it has already made a demonstrated impact on our communitys urban … More
Flying over the City of Grand Rapids, you would observe an expansive forest. While our City contains many buildings, there are also numerous trees growing between our buildings that help shade our homes, streets, and businesses. In 2008, a study completed by Grand Valley State University used geospatial technologies to estimate Grand Rapids’ tree canopy … More
Apples, Cider, and Art-Prize signal that the Michigan summer is coming to a close. Trees are already lighting into their October glory of brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Soon enough, Halloween and leaves will signal the approach of colder, harsher weather. While some of us may lament the end of Michigan’s brief summer, … More
In 2008 East Hills Council of Neighbors raised funds, secured a grant, and partnered with Bartlett Tree Experts to complete a tree inventory of their neighborhood’s public trees. This effort led to the East Hills Urban Forest Plan which described the neighborhood’s’s trees, expressed some concerns, and established some goals or strategies to help East … More
The Brewers Grove project started in 2013 when local brewers asked Friends of GR Parks (FGRP) how they could celebrate being named Beer City USA by give back to our parks and public spaces. And the idea was seeded to create tree-themed beers that would be offered for a limited time with proceeds going directly … More
We love our Citizen Foresters. Not only have they become indispensable in leading some of the projects that we have completed, but they have also become invaluable resources within their own communities – where their expertise is most needed. Understanding the value of our Citizen Foresters, we decided to show our thanks through Friends’ first-ever … More
On July 9 at 10:30a, Mayor George Heartwell announced the 2014 Mayor’s Tree of the Year in the North Monroe Business District. The 37-inch American Elm was celebrated (and hugged) by numerous city officials, neighborhood representatives, and volunteers from across the City. American elms, native to Michigan and one of our tallest trees, can live … More
Our community has set firm goals for tree canopy. Green Grand Rapids, the City’s Urban Forest Plan, Climate Resiliency Plan, and the Sustainability Plan all highlight the City’s 40% tree canopy goal. It’s not just an arbitrary number to be aimed for; it’s become a symbol of Grand Rapids sustainability and environmentally-minded culture. Trees are … More
Those of you who are gardeners may have lamented the weather and late frosts. But this cool, wet, long spring has been great for trees. Adequate moisture, an ease into the season, and cool weather has assisted local trees to put on significant growth and recover from a harsh winter. Now that summer is approaching, … More
Once again, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks has hired a summer intern. Patrick Shults will be assisting us with urban forest project programming, volunteer events, and assisting in other ways throughout the Friends. After starting in early May, he’s already put in a solid month of great work. If you haven’t already run into … More
