What the heck is an urban forest? And what are people saying about it? There’s an ongoing conversation about our urban forest, and we’d love to have your voice join it, too.
Arbor Day is a busy time around the FGRP office. Last year, we planted over 100 new trees in Riverside Park. This year, we chose to celebrate a little differently. On Friday, August 25th (Arbor Day for the uninitiated) Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and the Association of Grand Raplds Landscape Professionals (AGRLP) partnered to … More
Once again, the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and City of Grand Rapids will be seeking nominations for Mayor’s Tree of the Year. This is an amazing opportunity to tell the rest of Grand Rapids why a tree in your community is so awesome. If you have a tree that you would like to nominate, … More
Arbor Day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on all the great things that trees do for us. From clean air and stormwater interception, to beauty and shade, trees provide a myriad of benefits to our City. Today, April 25th is Arbor Day.As we celebrate this day of trees, it’s important we keep in mind … More
It’s been a rough year for Michigan roads. Declining funding and tumultuous weather have taken its toll on our streets. New potholes form just as old ones are being patched. While the condition and improvement of Michigan’s roads is a complex problem, trees may provide some of the answer. Asphalt is comprised of an aggregate and a binder. … More
It may not look or feel like it, but spring is coming. Before you know it, your free time will be filled with tons of spring-related chores: cleaning, landscaping, planting, and volunteering for Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. Late winter and early Spring is a critical time for plants. As the days lengthen and the … More
What are you waiting for? Across the nation cities have developed robust education opportunities for citizen foresters, tree-keepers, and tree-tenders. While the programs have different names, they all have a similar purpose: to develop an understanding of the importance of trees and to provide education in trees and tree care. These programs have led a … More
Ottawa Hills has a rich history of tree care; in fact, many neighbors would agree that their trees are an important contribution to the character of their neighborhood. Between 2007 and 2010, concerned Ottawa Hills neighbors collected enough money to plant 65 trees to replace trees taken down due to damage or disease. This past … More
Tree roots are a common cause of sidewalk damage. Fixing sidewalks are a common cause of tree damage. Fundamentally, trees and sidewalks have competing needs. Sidewalks require an even, compact, bed of soil; otherwise they shift or settle. On the other hand, trees prefer loose, moist, fertile soil into which they can grow. These … More
The Friends of Grand Rapids Parks has secured close $200,000 in core funding for the Urban Forest Project for 2014 and 2016. This on-going investment confirms the commitment of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, and the City of Grand Rapids to expanding tree canopy throughout the City. The Urban Forest … More
By Camilla Voelker On November 9th the Well House gardeners and 27 others planted a 15-tree orchard of apples and pears on the property of one of the newest additions to the Well House homes and gardens, 239 Sycamore SE. Well House is a neighborhood non-profit nested in the southeast side of Grand Rapids. South … More
