Help us Re-Tree Buffalo!

As part of our Complete Streets Campaign, GO Bike Buffalo has teamed up with Re-Tree WNY (a program of Keep Western New York Beautiful) and the City of Buffalo to ensure our streets are safe for all users by providing trees to community groups in an effort to reforest our city.

Trees have many benefits! Put in the context of safe Complete Streets – they have the ability to provide:

• Reduced and more appropriate traffic speeds;
• Create safer walking and bicycling environments;
• Added value to adjacent homes, businesses and tax base;
• Reduced stormwater run-off;
• Protection from the elements;
• Improved air quality;
• And an overall better quality of life for all residents.

Since its formation after the October Surprise Storm, Re-Tree WNY has engaged the community in a process that has seen 6,104 street tree locations planted just in the City of Buffalo! This does not include all the additional trees planted in parks, schools and other open spaces. This community engagement effort has been incredibly successful!

 We need you to participate again this year to help us reforest the City.

As in the past, community groups can sign-up and organize a volunteer tree planting on their streets. Please follow these simple steps and deadlines:

• Organize your neighbors! The number of people you have to help will largely determine the amount of trees that you can plant.
• Sign-up as a user.
• Once your registration is approved you can access the online map and reservation system to select the locations and the type of species you would prefer. (Please note that all listed species may not be available and that Re-Tree WNY will provide suitable substitutes)
• September 8^th 2012 will be the deadline for you to reserve your trees – no exceptions.
• In order for you to receive your trees it is mandatory for each group to attend a tree planting and care training program. This is 2 hour class that will occur on October 20 & 27, 2012 – times and locations to be determined.
• Trees will be available for pick-up only on Friday November 2^nd from 7am – 7pm at the City of Buffalo’s Engineering Garage (1120 Seneca Street) for planting on the weekend of November 3-4 2012. Please note that tree availability and planting dates are largely determined by weather. The alternate pick-up date will be November 9th with planting dates November 10-11. You will be contacted prior to confirm.

If you would like to volunteer your time in helping another group to plant and do not have a group to work with, please contact Paul Maurer, chairman of Re-Tree WNY at pmaurer@entercom.com or Phone: 716.843.0133.