Free Tree Planting Challenge
Cool your community | Cleanse the air | Protect the planet | Earn prizes
Friends of Oxon Run Park, the MITRE Corporation, Casey Trees, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Transportation (DDOT) Urban Forestry Division (UFD) are delighted to announce the inaugural Ward 8 Free Tree Planting Challenge. We need YOUR help planting free trees in Ward 8 to support neighborhood revitalization. Why? Neighborhoods that are well-shaded with trees are cooler and healthier. Planting a tree helps you connect with nature. Create, adopt, and cherish your outdoor home. Your nature connection can be a single tree, a backyard, neighborhood grove, garden or park. It should be close to where you live so you can care for it and observe it regularly. Entering the challenge is easy! There are two ways (“tracks”) to participate. We will raffle 20 $100 gift cards (10 per track). Please submit an entry form and let us know how you plan to participate.
Track One:
Tree Planting
Each person or team needs to complete a tree challenge entry form by Wed March 31, 2021. Planting will take place in May 2021.
After you submit an entry form, you will be contacted within one week by us to discuss your project. It is important to plant the right tree in the right location. It is also important to create a maintenance plan (e.g., water and fertilization). We have virtual coaches and reference material to help you.
We are partnering with the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Transportation (DDOT) Urban Forestry Division (UFD) who will plant the trees for free. There is no copayment and no limit on the number of trees per property. Click here to see possible tree options.
Tree Planting Challenge rules are as follows: Each person or team needs to complete a tree challenge entry form.
Entry submissions are due by Wednesday March 31, 2021 and planting will take place in May 2021
Each entrant is strongly encouraged to watch the short videos and discuss your tree planting vision or questions with our coaches:
Each entrant is strongly encouraged to watch the short videos and discuss your tree planting vision or questions with our coaches:
Rob Shaut | Casey Trees
Brenda Lee Richardson | Friends of Oxon Run
Track Two: Connecting with Nature
You can participate in four ways (multiple submissions are welcomed):
Write a short story or create a short video. Tell us how you connect to nature or why trees, a local greenspace or nature is important to you.
Request and assemble a free birdhouse (while kits last). Kasey
For youth (x ages and below) complete a Casey Tree packet. Melinda
Schedule a neighborhood tree walk with Casey Trees arborist. Jim/Rob
Connecting with Nature rules are as follows:
Each person or team needs to complete entry form. Entry submissions are due by Friday April 30, 2021
The eligibility criteria for participation are twofold:
You must be a Ward 8 resident, student or business
If you attend a face-to-face event you must wear a mask and be willing to practice physical distancing during the project
Tree Planting
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Connecting with Nature
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Participation Awards:
We will have a community representative randomly select multiple winners to receive awards at a live virtual ceremony. We anticipate 20 $100.00 gift cards (ten per track). The award will be given directly to the participant(s).
Virtual coaching
Virtual coaching is designed to help you succeed with the challenge. Coaching will be provided to help you understand: (a) the benefits of trees, (b) how to take action to prevent urban heat islands and (c) how to connect with nature. All applicants are strongly encouraged to watch virtual coaching sessions.
“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”
— Chinese proverb