Macomb Today

Macomb County issued the following announcement on Oct. 7.

Local volunteers today planted 50 trees in areas of downtown Armada damaged by this summer’s EF1 tornado. The planting was made possible through the support of Second Nature Brands. The company’s employees also volunteered to plant beech trees, red maples, oak trees, linden trees, cherry trees and tree lilacs alongside several other local volunteers.

"When we saw the trees damaged by the tornado in Armada, we knew we needed to help," said Victor Mehren, CEO of Second Nature Brands. “Trees are vital to community health and core to our vision to make things better by nourishing people and nature. We hope the replanting of trees in Armada will contribute to the healing process in this great community.”

The tree planting was organized by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources forestry division, the Village of Armada and ReLeaf Michigan. 

"ReLeaf Michigan is a statewide tree planting and education non-profit organization,” said Melinda Jones, executive director, ReLeaf. “Since 1988, ReLeaf Michigan has planted over 30,000 trees with volunteers in more than 400 communities around the state. Trees provide environmental, economic, social, and human health benefits, so a tree planting event is a great way for neighbors to connect and create a healthier community together.”

For MCPED, the planting is a continuation of work started in 2016 with the launch of the Green Macomb initiative.

“Our Green Macomb effort aims to double the tree canopy in Macomb County,” said Gerard Santoro, program director for parks and natural resources, MCPED. “There are many proven benefits associated with this - including reducing pollution, reducing home energy costs, increasing home values and improving overall health and wellness. So this tree planting in storm ravaged Armada, and our overall work increasing green canopy, will truly make an impact for every resident of our community.”

Currently Macomb’s tree cover is 26 percent, which falls short of the USDA recommendation of a 40 percent cover in urban areas. However, plantings, promotion and education will help the county reach that goal. Additionally, trees planted at the Armada event will help Second Nature Brands meet its goal of planting one million trees over the next five years.

Original source can be found here.