| 2,010 trees to be planted in Arlington for NBA All-Star Game |
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| Written by John Harden, The Shorthorn senior staff | ||||
| Tuesday, 24 November 2009 10:45 PM | ||||
  The City of Arlington is working in conjunction with NBA Cares to plant 2,010 trees in honor of the 2010 NBA All-Star Game that will be played February 14, 2010 in the new Cowboys Stadium. More than 150 trees have already been planted on city medians including the most southern end of Bowen Road, pictured here. The city intends to plant more of the trees at elementary schools and in parks. (The Shorthorn: Tim Crumpton) The Arlington Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the National Basketball Association on a project that’s expected to plant 2,010 trees in the 100 days leading up to the Feb. 14, 2010 All-Star Game. The department has already planted more than 100 trees, said city forester Matt Churches. “We decided to do it as a promotion,” he said. “We approached the NBA and they liked the idea. It’s a way for the NBA to make more people aware of the All-Star Game, and at the same time, beautify the community.” As part of the partnership, Arlington’s forestry program, Let’s Enhance Arlington’s Forestry, LEAF, will distribute trees to area businesses and residents. The program brings free trees to open-public spaces in the area. “Forestry is important for us and our citizens,” said Heather Dowell, urban forestry land manager. “We want to increase this throughout our city, and we want our citizens to be involved as well.” Normally, LEAF distributes trees twice a year, once in the fall and spring, but it has decided to distribute more trees for the game. “We purchase trees from a variety of nurseries and tree farms in the area,” Churches said. “We then depend on volunteers and other community organizers to help us plant them.” InformationTo apply for a tree, visit NaturallyFun.org for an application.For more information about this program, call the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department at 817-459-5474 or send an e-mail to ParksDepartment@arlingtontx.gov. “We’re going to be connecting residents, businesses and schools throughout the community to plant these 2010 trees,” said Pete Jamieson, parks and recreation director. NBA Cares is an initiative addressing important social issues in the U.S. and around the world, according the NBA Web site. Through the program, NBA teams and players have committed to donating $100 million to charity and volunteering in the community. “This is not only an opportunity to celebrate NBA All-Star Game but also an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for the NBA and Arlington’s Urban Forestry program,” Jamieson said. Views: 532 | E-mail
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 27 January 2010 03:37 PM ) | ||||
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