Volunteers Needed for Community Tree Planting Event

Kalamazoo, MI — ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide non-profit tree organization, in collaboration with Bell’s Brewery, the city of Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Washington Square Library, and the Edison Neighborhood Association is looking for volunteers to help plant 20 trees at Washington Square Library in Kalamazoo on Saturday, June 10.

Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing and bring a shovel, hard rake, and work gloves if they have them. The group will meet at Washington Square Library, 1244 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI at 8:45 a.m. to sign in, enjoy refreshments, and watch a planting demonstration with ReLeaf Michigan’s tree experts. Families are welcome! The event occurs rain or shine. No planting experience is necessary.   

Trees provide incredible benefits to the communities in which they are planted. Trees improve air and water quality, reduce stormwater runoff, improve mental wellness, reduce childhood asthma rates, cool our neighborhoods, and enhance commercial and economic vitality. 

Bell’s is passionate about contributing meaningfully to the community. With a long history of prioritizing sustainability, ReLeaf emerged as a natural partner to continue to invest both financial and human resources in our local community with a planting. Our goal being that we add value by reducing carbon impact, improving air quality in a high traffic corridor, and perpetuate the public library’s mission and centrality to the community at one of Kalamazoo’s most storied and unique landmarks.

In partnership with the City of Kalamazoo and the Edison Neighborhood Association, the historic Kalamazoo Washington Square Library located at the center of the city was selected as the planting location. Not only is this the oldest library building in the city, it also serves as a public community location where neighbors can gather. The trees will flank the library’s literacy walk and provide vibrant public spaces while addressing heat and air quality for residents enjoying the library’s outdoor spaces.  

ReLeaf Michigan, a 35-year-old non-profit organization, partners with communities statewide to replenish community tree canopies through volunteer tree planting events.