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Alternative Ideas this Valentine's Day

2022-02-12T16:00:19+00:00

For a while, Valentine’s Day in the United States has had symbols such as the heart shaped box of chocolates, a bouquet of roses, and romantic dinners to show your love for those you care about. Not everyone may have access to displaying their love for loved ones through these cultural symbols on Valentine’s Day however. Rather, this special day can be used to explore other forms of showing love built more on experience rather than the many disposable symbols of our Valentine's Day culture.

Donate

A non-consumptive gift idea that a loved one will appreciate this Valentine’s Day is donation through TreeUtah. Your donation to us allows you the option to select a tree for them, which is a great way to show your love through a physical symbol to that special person. We can send a personalized message through card or email to let them know about the tribute at your request too. Donating through our memorial tree program at Sugar House Park is another option.

With our mission to make Utah a better place to live, we will use these donations for the trees we will plant at our planting events in the spring. Know that each and every donation we receive will in turn help us plant more trees that will grow, bloom, and strengthen year after year just as your bond with a loved one will grow stronger year after year. We have many exciting volunteer opportunities like our upcoming tree planting events. You can register as a volunteer this spring. Follow for our updates about these events through our events page, our Facebook, or through Now Playing Utah.

Get Outside

Next, an inexpensive thing to do on Valentine’s Day is an outdoor activity. We do live in the beautiful state of Utah, so take advantage of it. An outdoor activity can be in the form of going on a hike or even gathering up a picnic dinner and eating it under the night sky. Order takeout by supporting local or make a simple meal from home and bring it with you. Leave your worries behind, bundle up, and enjoy the great outdoors and being in the moment with loved ones through this simple idea.

The Impact of Buying Flowers

The options are truly endless on how to spend your Valentine’s Day not in the form of heart shaped boxes of chocolate, roses, or expensive romantic dinners. While we are not saying that these are still not great ways to show you care for your loved ones, the floriculture industry for those bouquets of flowers bought in the United States and globally for days like Valentine’s Day isn’t without its problems.

In 2015, floriculture constituted 17% of imports into the United States and as of 2018, Columbia is one of the largest exporters of flowers like roses. The process of getting non domestic flowers from place to place is a relatively short process hopping from one country to the next because of the priority to maintain the utmost freshness of the flowers. Though the typical time frame flowers take to transport can vary based on the location they ship from.

In the beginning of their long journey from field or greenhouse to store to the ultimate goal of vases in our homes, flowers are refrigerated at around 50 degrees Fahrenheit while on a plane. The energy costs of constant refrigeration along with the greenhouse gas emissions of an airplane, freight trucks, and cars to get flowers to their final destinations begins to add up at a heavy cost. Carbon dioxide emissions from a plane ride alone constitutes a ratio of three kilograms of carbon dioxide per 1 kilogram of fuel.

While this very briefly covers some of the far-reaching environmental impacts associated with non-domestic rose production, supporting locally grown roses, opting for outdoor activities, or donating this Valentine’s Day are the more sustainable choices. What will you choose to do for Valentine’s Day?

Climate Action! An Evening with the Park City Climate Fund Grant Recipients

2020-05-07T18:49:37+00:00

Monday, May 11, 2020, 5:00pm – 6:00pm MST

Join TreeUtah and other grantees for the Park City Community Foundation discussion with recipients of the Park City Climate Fund to learn about the ongoing work in greater Park City and discuss changes we can all make to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the sustainability of our community.

Co-hosted with Park City Library, and featuring TreeUtah, Utah Clean Energy, Recycle Utah, and Park City High School Earth Club.

Please join us for this virtual webinar and get ready to take action!

Register/Join!

Ecological Restoration - TreeUtah at Work

2021-02-03T02:54:47+00:00

TreeUtah is committed to restoring and preserving healthy ecosystems along Utah’s urbanized Wasatch Front. For over 30 years TreeUtah has organized plantings of thousands of native trees and shrubs along the Jordan River corridor and Wasatch Mountain Canyons. Maintaining the ecological health of our waterways and open spaces is critical for sustaining wildlife habitat, as well as ensuring clean water, clean air, and the overall health of Salt Lake Valley residents. In addition, our restoration work builds civic involvement and a sense of community.

Restoration is the act of repairing or renewing something. The Jordan River Parkway Trail is the most popular recreation trail in Salt Lake County. The Jordan River waterway stretches over 50 miles, from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. The trail and river are used throughout the year by over 100,000 community members for various outdoor activities. The native birds and wildlife are an integral part of the beauty of this critical area. TreeUtah is planting native trees at different sites along the Jordan River corridor. Native trees are important habitat for the wildlife and will ensure these animals can continue to thrive here.

The canyons of the Wasatch Mountains are the main source of water and recreation for hundreds of thousands of people in Salt Lake County. They are also a critical habitat on the edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert for many species of wildlife. The ecosystems of this vital mountain range are under pressure from the expanding population of the Wasatch Front. TreeUtah is working with local ski areas to ensure these ecosystems can sustain life for generations to come. By planting thousands of native trees at ski areas, we are helping to preserve the recreation opportunities, the wildlife habitat, and the pristine water quality. Conservation and reforestation efforts started in Little Cottonwood Canyon in 1933. The Alta Environmental Center carries on that tradition today. Harvesting seed from the ski area for revegetation and restoration efforts takes work but generally results in more successful plant and tree growth since the seed came from Alta. And, Brighton Ski Resort commits to the development and implementation of a sustainability program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Planting young native trees will also limit the impact invasive species can have on this critical habitat area. Seeds for plants and trees are harvested at the end of every summer.

Fall Is Tree Planting Time

2020-09-02T00:25:08+00:00

You may not know this but TreeUtah is coming up on it's second busy season of planting, we plant not only in the typical beautiful spring weather but in the early fall too! Fall is a great time to plant trees. A fall garden is full of delightful sights, there’s nothing like the sweet smell of fall and the chill of cooler temperatures to get out there and get planting.

Planting in the fall gives trees an extra growing season, as they benefit from the cooler temperatures and rain allowing them to establish deeper roots and prepare for the coming spring breezes. Trees go dormant in the winter, which is like hibernation but for plants. This period slows down the tree’s growth and energy use. Properly planting trees is the first step towards protecting their long-term survival. It’s safe to plant trees until the ground is frozen solid, generally after the first hard frost. Even if there is snow on the ground, if you can place a shovel in the ground you are good to plant your tree.

Here are five trees that make for colorful fall foliage: Japanese Maple, Berbiris thunbergii, Smoke bush (Cotinus), Dogwood and Hardy plumbago

Remember planting in the fall allows for a stronger root system and daily care. TreeUtah encourages you to be water aware. It is important to make sure your new trees are getting enough water. Due to differing elevations, microclimates, and tree species, be sure your trees have the water they need.

If you plant now you will find you have less aftercare into the next season. The first 2 years of a tree’s life is critical for survival. The tree is establishing its root system in the soil and is sensitive to stressors like heat and drought. Water a newly planted tree immediately after planting and routinely check the soil moisture often to be sure the tree has enough water for the next 2 growing seasons. After the tree is established, it will have an easier time adjusting to heat and drought conditions.

TreeUtah Tree Care Guide

For the Love of Trees

2021-02-10T02:20:05+00:00

It’s time to start thinking about a thoughtful and meaningful Valentine’s gift...so why not express how much you care by showing love for the environment at the same time. In place of chocolates or jewelry, try planting or purchasing a tree in someone's honor. One way that people can demonstrate their love for others is to plant a tree because the earth is in need of more green spaces, especially in urban areas. This is a gesture that will be remembered for generations to come, especially for people who understand the value of trees, and after all what is a stroll with your "Sweetheart" without a lane of tree cover above?

TreeUtah and the Sugar House Park Authority are pleased to present the Commemorative and Memorial Tree Program at Sugar House Park. This program offers people the opportunity to honor friends and loved ones through the planting of a tree in Sugar House Park, adding to the beauty of Salt Lake City’s greatest landmarks. Requests for particular tree varieties will be considered; however, Sugar House Park Authority has final approval. Conifers or a Broadleaf/Deciduous will be planted. Plantings will occur during the spring (April 1st — June 30th) or fall (September 1st — November 30th). Small ceremonies may be arranged by the donor and groups are encouraged to participate in the physical planting itself. Information will be provided once a donor has made a commitment to planting a tree at Sugar House Park.

All gifts are processed through TreeUtah, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Individuals or groups wishing to have a commemorative or memorial tree planted at Sugar House Park should contact TreeUtah’s Planting Coordinator, Ian by email at planting@treeutah.org.

Trees provide the very necessities we rely upon. They clean our air, protect our drinking water, create healthy, loving communities to nurture the soul.

Many Ways to Volunteer with TreeUtah

2021-04-06T23:29:43+00:00

Volunteer with us! Volunteers truly are the heartwood of TreeUtah and make our work possible. Thousands of dedicated and hardworking people like you help us each year to accomplish our goals.

We always welcome helping hands at the EcoGarden located next door to the Day Riverside Library at 1575 West 1000 North, TreeUtah’s EcoGarden is a community resource along the Jordan River in Rose Park that demonstrates how we can utilize trees in urban landscapes for gardening, food, and to benefit our social and natural environments.

There are a number of different projects in need of volunteers at the EcoGarden such as watering, weeding, mulching, composting, maintaining the guilds, and picking up trash. If you are interested in being part of the EcoGarden community, please contact us. EcoGarden workdays will be posted on the events calendar. Please check dates and listings frequently in Spring/Summer/Fall.

We have met so many wonderful volunteers and interesting groups of people who organize to come out to help plant. Some are small hiking groups all the way to large corporations, and then back to a small scouting group, looking to do good and give back to the community! Tree Planting is a fun and unique way to give back to the local community and make Utah a healthier, greener place to live, work, and play. Your business, church group, or community group is welcome to join us at one of our public tree plantings (for free!). Alternatively, you can sponsor your own special event. Many businesses choose to sponsor a planting or stewardship project as an annual team-building event or community service project.

Setting up special events and purchasing trees requires a lot of time and effort. The required minimum donation to sponsor tree plantings will be based on the number of trees to be planted. Each event is different depending on your vision and budget. We are excited to work with you and see your ideas come to life!

Events include the following benefits to your organization

Choose your own date and time
Recognition of your commitment to sustainability on social media, press releases, and on our website and e-newsletter
Team building by spending a few hours outdoors at a beautiful location
Your team just needs to show up ready to plant and we do the rest; even including coffee and bagels if you want.
You will get dirty and tired, but leave inspired!

Teams will help plant large landscape trees in public places such as parks and other open spaces or for restoration volunteers will assist in planting native seedlings to restore natural ecosystems. To learn more about participating in a tree planting, please contact us.

Plant with TreeUtah and KRCL on the Jordan River

2022-05-15T14:33:34+00:00

Bend in the River, Salt Lake City

Monday, May 16, 5PM-7:30PM

Come to a planting party along the Jordan River in Salt Lake! We will bring pizza and snacks as well as everything you need for a successful planting! Drop in anytime and stay as long as you can. We will plant trees and perennials that work together to create a thriving natural ecosystem along the trail. Sponsored by the listeners of KRCL.

Park at the small parking lot at about 1050 W Fremont Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. You will see the green TreeUtah tent where you can check in and get planting!

Map pin:

https://goo.gl/maps/gNgSAZR9J1rTUGcW9

Restoring Trees After a Storm

2020-09-14T17:53:14+00:00

Parts of Utah lost a lot of trees last week and it may feel different in your neighborhood or local park without them. We don't often get hurricane-force winds in Utah but strong winds can occasionally pop up every few years with the right conditions. To help us better understand how to recover damaged landscapes, here is what we found experts recommend on tree care, from places which get these high winds often, think Florida hurricanes!

After a wind storm, it's important to take care of safety hazards first. Hazards to look for include broken tree branches that are hanging from the tree and leaning trees and anything near power lines. Careful pruning is often needed after a storm, be aware, and wear protective clothing. Trim above ragged breaks on small stems, and remove entire branches when the main structural branches break. The most important task is removing damaged limbs and branches on trees and shrubs. Make a clean cut at the base of the branch where it is attached to the next largest branch. A clean smooth cut allows the branch to heal itself by sealing to keep wood-decay from entering and spreading. A good rule of thumb is to remove and take down trees with over half their branches damaged. After you have assessed damages you can gather and use or donate any collected wood.

If you have had problems with smaller trees being damaged after extreme storm winds, and you want to try and save those types of trees, you’ll be happy to know that a lot of trees that are down can be reset and rescued. Below are some tips that you can use to help with saving the trees.

Cover your trees’ roots so that they’re moist until you’re able to work more on them.
Work on pruning your tree’s root system so that it can be put back into the ground. You should also dig out the soil under the exposed roots, being careful not to break the roots, this is very important! If roots are broken replanting will most likely not work.
Right your tree and stake it, leaving the stake there for a minimum of 6 months.
Water the tree each day for 2-4 weeks. If it rains, less will be okay. Keep the area of the roots moist for a few months.
Before removing damaged plants, wait three to six months to allow them to attempt to recover.

Take some time as you go on a walk and notice how the face of the landscape has changed, think of ways to restore your area, help your neighbors and create new green spaces. Give gratitude for the trees in your life and know that while ever-changing, tree life will go on.

ReTree SLC Launches As An Effort To Replant Lost City Trees

2020-09-24T17:48:56+00:00

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and TreeUtah today announced ReTree SLC, a joint effort to replace thousands of trees lost throughout the city during the windstorm on September 7 and 8. The effort’s donation portal launched today and funds raised will go toward the replanting of the over 3,000 public trees that were damaged or lost within Salt Lake City boundaries.

“All of us at TreeUtah are saddened by the devastating loss of trees during the storm, but it just heightens our dedication to plant as many trees as possible toward a healthy urban forest. The trees we plant now will provide a better quality of life in Salt Lake City for generations.” -Amy May, TU Executive Director

Trees in Salt Lake City parks were hit especially hard during the storm, with Liberty Park losing 69 trees and the Salt Lake City Cemetery losing 255 trees.

Donors to ReTree SLC have the ability to make single donations or sign up for an ongoing monthly contribution, and they can specify that their donation go towards replanting in a specific park, or wherever a tree is needed most.

Funds raised will directly help purchase trees that are selected to be hardy in the city’s urban environment for generations to come.

ReTree SLC will also include a volunteer effort through TreeUtah for the public to assist in planting trees. Everyone who contributes will be informed of planting opportunities via email and all TreeUtah events HERE.

Donations can be made to TreeUtah by clicking HERE!

SLC Mayor Mendenhall's "ReTree SLC" Speech

2020-09-25T02:25:42+00:00

Thank you all for joining us today. As you know, because you thoroughly covered it... and you lived it, Salt Lake City’s urban forest was hit hard by the hurricane-force windstorm on September 8.

We estimate that more than 1,500 trees were lost in our public spaces, and that doesn’t include the thousands of trees on private property that were toppled.

In addition to the devastating property damage, and some injuries that were reported, we’ve all been saddened at the heartbreaking sight of 100-foot tall trees lying on their sides.

Our westside lost more than 100 Modesto Ash trees from neighborhood parkstrips, which account for the majority of shade in those neighborhoods.

At the City Cemetery, we lost more than 250 trees, dozens of which were 80-foot tall Spruce trees, and one of the most beautiful Austrian Pine trees in the City.

At Liberty Park, we lost a Cottonwood Tree whose trunk was more than 4 feet in diameter, and at Washington Square we lost a Giant Sequioa -- the same species that grows in California and lives for hundreds of years.

As a certified tree-lover, this has been difficult, especially since we know the benefits that trees and tree canopies provide residents, including reducing air pollution, conserving water and reducing erosion, creating shade and places to gather, and increasing property values. Trees are indispensable. But luckily, they aren’t completely irreplaceable.

I’m excited to announce today that we are partnering with TreeUtah to ReTree SLC.

It will be a joint effort to replace thousands of trees. We’ve heard from residents eager to help, and this is the answer. At ReTreeSLC.com, those interested can donate to TreeUtah and volunteer as the replanting efforts get underway this fall and beyond.

We’re excited to have Rocky Mountain Power and Ivory Homes on board with us as well, to support this initiative.

Funds raised will directly help purchase trees that are selected to be hardy in the city’s urban environment for generations to come.

ReTree SLC is in addition to the City’s pledge to plant 1,000 extra trees in 2020, a goal that was in place well before the storm, and that we’re on track to meet in spite of it. We know how important the urban forest is to our city, and we’re committed not only to replanting it, but expanding it.

Donations can be made at retreeslc