Forest grows yearly

“What if more forest growth could be encouraged, and the benefits of a forest environment enjoyed by ‘city’ communities and neighborhoods?” This is the goal of the Forests in Vancouver, British Columbia, project.

The Kiwanis Club of Vancouver, Key Club of Van Tech, and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation worked together to plant a forest in the city. After several years, 650 western red cedar, Douglas fir, grand fir, and sitka spruce trees were planted at four city park locations.

The trees were available for purchase for $100 each. Companies could purchase a corporate grove of 10 trees for $1,000.

“The public reaction was very positive,” says club spokeswoman Lenora Doyle. “Our members who attended and helped plant seemed to genuinely enjoy the day as well because it was such a hands-on way to help in the community. It also gave us the chance to volunteer for something that was both a fundraiser and a community-service project.”