Friday, April 29, is National Arbor Day. To celebrate, Manitou Springs is hosting an Arbor Day event 10 a.m.-noon that day at Memorial Park. The main part of the event will be installing plants and trees in the streetscape section near Hiawatha Gardens on Old Man’s Trail.
Bare-root trees will be given away and information booths about programs and opportunities for residents will be available.
The city has renewed its Tree City USA designation for the third year. With this designation, Manitou joins a network of hundreds of communities across the country, dedicated to preserving trees in communities. Tree City USA shows the city’s commitment to growing and maintaining our urban forest.
The city has partnered with three local nurseries to facilitate a tree voucher program for residents. Applicants will receive a $100 voucher toward the purchase of a residential tree. Limited vouchers are available (one per household). Residents can sign up through the Parks & Recreation page: www.manitouspringsgov.com/593/_Parks-and-Recreation.
The city has a new arborist, Matthew Nelson, who brings a wealth of urban forestry experience in private and public roles.
To further the city’s commitment to preserving and caring for trees, a tree care ordinance will be presented to City Council in May.
Also, in partnership with Resource Central, the city is facilitating free irrigation audits for residents. The Slow the Flow Program will highlight water conservation methods as well as maintaining more efficient sprinkler systems. Sign up through the same Parks & Recreation page.