Akron has a healthy urban forest compared with urban tree canopies in similar mid-sized, Northeastern cities, according to the Akron Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and Planting Plan, released by the city in early 2021.
But over the years, the city’s tree canopy has been declining, with trees being removed for the city’s sewer project, development projects, old age, damage caused by invasive insects or wind storms. The city has lacked the funding to replace them.
That’s part of the reason the city is partnering with the Akron Tree Commission and other local organizations to commemorate Arbor Day on Friday, April 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lane Field Park, 630 Vernon Odom Blvd. Parking for the event will be available at 930 Moeller Ave.
“We can’t say it too often, how important trees are to the urban environment,” Sarah Vradenburg, the chair of the Akron Tree Commission, told members of Akron City Council’s Public Service, Public Utilities and Green Committee on Monday, April 20.
The free, family-friendly event will include tree planting and tree giveaways, activities for children, food and performances by students from Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a park cleanup project with Keep Akron Beautiful.
The celebration is supported in part by Project Acorn, a $1 million, five‑year initiative to plant free trees in five low‑canopy neighborhoods — East Akron, Middlebury, Sherbondy Hill, South Akron and Summit Lake — and to provide paid urban‑forestry workforce training for Akron residents.
Where can I find resources about planting trees?
The City of Akron has compiled information that explains the benefits of planting trees and the steps required for a successful tree planting.
Video tutorials are also helpful resources for Akronites getting started on their tree-planting journey:
Keep Akron Beautiful and Acme Fresh Market are also teaming up for the following park cleanup events. Register here to participate or email kab@keepakronbeautiful.org.
- Ward 9 with City Council Member Tina Boyes, Saturday, April 25, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Prentiss Park, 2043 East Ave.
- Ward 2 with City Council Member Phil Lombardo, May 9 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Patterson Park Community Center, 800 Patterson Ave.
🗓️ New events calendar! From block parties to concerts and kids’ activities, find fun around Akron and Summit County all year long. Dive into the calendar and start planning.
