Cuyahoga River-focused tree planting initiative expands beyond riverbanks

Cuyahoga ReLeaf, a program launched in 2010 to support vegetation along the Cuyahoga River, is now under the direction of the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District. The district will expand Cuyahoga ReLeaf’s efforts in enhancing the county’s tree canopy, according to a press release.

“Having Soil & Water take this on will help grow the program, and the forest, across the county. It’s a perfect fit,” said Jane Goodman, former Cuyahoga River Restoration director, who developed the program. “We focused on riparian planting to support streams, but this will expand the scope of the work with benefits to our urban forests.”

Cuyahoga ReLeaf addresses the loss and restoration of forest canopy. The county’s overall tree canopy is below a recommended 40% canopy cover, according to the district, and is much worse in the center of the county. Various pests and diseases have contributed to the canopy reduction along with construction and development. Meanwhile, the agency said, the human health benefits of a healthy forest go “hand-in-hand with the environmental benefits,” including cleaner air, moderating temperatures, shade and shelter that reduces energy use and stormwater management.

Cuyahoga ReLeaf provides an annual tree sale, grants for municipalities to receive trees to plant in their community and grants for individuals to plant trees at their homes or neighborhoods. In addition, the Cuyahoga ReLeaf program provides brochures and presentations on how to properly plant and care for a tree. For schools, Cuyahoga ReLeaf has the Native Urban Tree Starters (NUTS) program involving students in restoring the tree canopy in our county thru growing trees from harvested seeds. Teachers and students can also participate in Project Plant It, bringing trees to their school property.

For more information, visit cuyahogaswcd.org ∞