BOISE, Idaho — A new initiative announced by Boise City Council President Elaine Clegg aims to expand Boise's tree canopy and promote climate resilience. The City of Trees Challengewas announced on Arbor Day and is launching in partnership with the Treasure Valley Canopy Network. The goal is to plant 100,000 trees, one for each household in Boise, over the next ten years.
“This is a lofty goal, but one that we can achieve with your help. I and City of Boise leadership know that trees can make a vital contribution as we work together toward a greener, more environmentally friendly future,” said Clegg. “Trees make us feel good, they provide shade, help lower temperature in our neighborhoods, clean stormwater, provide cost savings and reduced energy use, and much more. Let’s show Idaho and the rest of the world what it means to live up to the name ‘City of Trees’ by planting as many trees as we can.”
The City of Trees Challenge also aims to plant one sapling for every Boise resident in forests across the world. These goals will be met through community partnerships, sponsorship and neighborhood engagement.
"The Treasure Valley Canopy Network is excited to partner with the City of Boise on the City of Trees Challenge,” said Lance Davisson, coordinator of the Treasure Valley Canopy Network. “Together, we will lead a challenge that starts with every Boisean and spreads across Idaho, and the world, to build a more resilient climate and society over the next decade."
The city has planted 20 trees over the past week to kick off the effort. Over the next few months, outreach efforts will began and a tree counting system will be established. The system will track data and tree planting for the decade-long project.
City staff, the Treasure Valley Canopy Network and community partners are securing trees to prepare for more planting events later this year. Visit the City of Boise website to learn more about the challenge and get involved.
