Twenty-nine volunteers of the Urban Tree Planting Project, a collaborative effort by the Rotary Club of Utica, The Unitarian Universalist Church of Utica and the City of Utica Parks Department, recently planted another 40 trees across the city. Following this recent effort, the project has now planted 100 trees since its inception.

“Through the dedicated efforts of our volunteers and community partners, we’re proud to celebrate the planting of 100 trees in Utica as part of the Urban Tree Planting Project,” said Rotary Club of Utica Past President Dave Jones. “This initiative not only beautifies our city, but also improves air quality, provides cooling shade, and creates a safer environment for residents. Each tree we plant represents a lasting investment in the health and well-being of our community. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to make a difference.”

The Urban Tree Planting Project provides eligible City of Utica homeowners with a free tree, which is delivered and planted at no charge. Homeowners are required to care for the trees for a minimum of five years. Funding for this project is made possible through a Department of Environmental Conservation grant specific to Urban communities for tree planting in disadvantaged communities.

The goal is for the trees to thrive over many years and serve to enhance the value of these properties, improving the air quality within the community by reducing carbon emissions, provide a canopy of shade to lower the heat index during summer months, and as recent studies have found, trees planted in urban areas have served to reduce the level of crime.

Applications for trees to be planted in Fall 2025 will be made available this summer.

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