 |
Home | Search | Browse | About IPO | Staff | Links |
|
Home | Search | Browse | About IPO | Staff | Links |
|
Trees find new homes in Park Ridge Trees are a vital park resource. The Park Ridge Recreation and Park District implemented a successful community tree program to enhance its parks. By Greg Petry Last fall the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District initiated a very successful community tree donation program. The idea stemmed from a resident's interest in donating a splendid 15-foot Colorado Blue Spruce to the Park District. Although the sale of the resident's home prevented the tree from being moved, it prompted the Park District to see if other residents would be interested in donating trees and shrubs from their property. The Parks Department embarked on a media campaign to solicit tree donations from the community. Anyone could donate trees or shrubs and the Park District would move them. The donation, in turn, could be deducted from federal income tax as a charitable contribution. More than 200 inquiries were received. A form was filled out for each caller. It contained information about the type and location of the trees (shrubs) which were being donated, and gave Park District personnel authorization to examine them on the owners' property. The form was then forwarded to the Parks Supervisor for review and action. After examining the tree (or shrub), a decision was made whether to accept or reject the donation. The majority of plants could not be used because they were diseased, not suitable in park settings, had poor branching, were too costly and too large to move, or were not accessible for moving. Contributors with acceptable donations were sent a letter outlining the administrative steps that would be done before the plant material could be transplanted. This included locating underground utility cables and marking plant materials with an orange ribbon to distinguish them for the landscapers. A general release for the Park District was enclosed with a self-addressed stamped envelope. A landscaping firm was hired to transplant the donated trees and shrubs. It dealt primarily with the larger trees that required moving with aid of a tree spade. A subcontractor handled the hand digging of smaller material. The final acceptable 29 contributions resulted in the transplanting of 63 various trees and shrubs. Contributors were asked to select a park site for the tree (or shrub). Most site requests were granted. The final step in the program involved mailing thank-you and donation letters. Thank-you letters indicated the location of the transplanted plant material and urged contributors to contact the District if anything was not done to their satisfaction. A letter from the landscaping firm was attached for the contributor's tax record indicating the retail value of the plant material. Donated plant material valued at $9,035 was received from contributors. It cost the Park District $7,012 to move and guy 63 trees and shrubs. The average cost for the Park District to move a plant was $111.30. Administrative time to implement the program was not tracked.
The cost of the program was justifiable. The District's tree inventory was increased and parks were upgraded at minimal cost. People were enlightened about Park Department operations. Most importantly, the community became involved in enhancing the beautiful resources of trees. News about the program spread between friends and neighbors. Taking advantage of unseasonably warm weather in February, seven Green Spruce trees valued at $2,260 were transplanted at a cost of $630. The trees ranged in heights from 10 to 25 feet. Thirty-one additional trees are under consideration for transplanting this fall. Editor's Note: Additional information about the tree donation program can be obtained from Greg Petry, Parks Supervisor, Park Ridge Recreation and Park District, 2701 Sibley Avenue, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 (312/692-5127).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Greg Petry is currently employed by the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District as a Parks Supervisor. He was previously employed by the Mundelein Recreation and Park District and the Park District of Highland Park. He has a master's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from Penn State University.
A 23-foot Blue Spruce was moved by a crane after being hand dug by land-scapers. Illinois Parks and Recreation 11 July/August 1984 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
