1,000 trees planted for Cincinnati's Fall ReLeaf Program

Cincinnati Parks' Fall ReLeaf program wrapped up another successful event in October. The program's purpose is to help bring Cincinnati's neighborhoods up to 40% coverage of tree canopy. In the past five years, the Fall ReLeaf program has helped grow the city's tree canopy from 38% to 43%.Thanks to a tree canopy census done in 2021, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation was able to help target 16 neighborhoods with less than 40% coverage. Jennifer Hafner Spieser, the executive director for Cincinnati Parks Foundation, said targeting these neighborhoods was in an effort to grow the tree canopy more city-wide. "Of the thousand trees that went out, more than 600 went into those core neighborhoods that definitely need it," said Spieser.This year featured 10 native species of trees that parks handed out during the ReLeaf events at Madtree Brewing. While 1,000 trees were given out this year, over 20,000 trees have been given out throughout the 35 years the program has been held. Growing the city's tree canopy is not only helping beautify communities, but it's also helping our health and climate. "These trees are literally cooling down and making temperatures better throughout all 52 neighborhoods, it's removing pollution from the air and carbon dioxide, so it's critical to the health and wellness of our citizens," said Spieser.Along with the climate and health benefits trees bring, they can also help manage storm drain water and flooding. One large deciduous tree can help control 400 to 1,000 gallons of stormwater. While this year's Fall Releaf program is over, Spieser says they are already beginning the fundraising for next year's program, so those wanting to participate should keep an eye out come next Fall. "We'll be raising money through the spring of next year. I would say by September for Cincinnati Residents to check it out, check out the Cincinnati Park Board, check out Cincinnati Parks Foundation's website to see when the program is going to become active," Spieser said.MadTree Brewing helped sponsor the program for the third year in a row as they also work to help bring the Oakley neighborhood up above the 40% tree canopy target. They fully embrace their namesake and work to protect nature and reduce its impact on the environment. MadTree Brewing is part of the 1% for the Planet initiative, with a commitment to donate 1% of sales to non-profits focused on environmental sustainability.