By Jared Lindell

With the recent increase in gas prices, heating bills and all the talk of alternative energy sources, the idea of conservation has seemingly dominated headlines of late. The talk of creating “green space” in urban environments has been one way to begin addressing the idea of conservation. One fund at the Community Foundation was established years ahead of its time and seeks to provide a natural touch on an urban landscape.

The Urban Forestry Fund was established by the City of Jamestown in 1992. The City of Jamestown has a comprehensive tree care plan that identifies thousands of trees and their maintenance needs in the city. However, this plan also identifies the thousands of empty sites where trees could be planted. The idea behind the establishment of the Urban Forestry Fund was to provide a steady revenue source for the purchase and planting of trees for these potential sites.  

The benefits of planting trees on Jamestown streets and in City parks are very easy to understand and, in some cases, very recognizable. First, trees go a long way in beautifying urban centers. All one needs to do is drive down West Third Street by Lind Funeral Home to illustrate this point. Second, trees provide substantial cover and shade, which has a significant cooling effect on hot summer days and provide welcome relief from blistering concrete. Third, they provide a great habitat for all types of wildlife, bringing a natural feel to the cityscape. Not included in these three benefits are many others including ecological, environmental, and even social and recreational benefits, as community citizens use parks and playgrounds daily throughout the summer. 

Since the Urban Forestry Fund was established 14 years ago, $3,000 has been granted to the City of Jamestown Parks Department for the planting of trees. These grants have all followed the main concept behind the fund, which is to get people to start considering nature and how it can help the City of Jamestown and how, by starting today, the City can visually and physically be that much greater many years from now. As it reads in the Urban Forestry Fund’s brochure, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”

Obviously, any gift to the Urban Forestry Fund is welcome, but gifts made at certain levels will receive specific acknowledgements. Any gift above $500 allows the patron’s name to be engraved on a tablet that will be planted near a tree that was purchased with the gift. Additionally, any gift over $30 will receive an acknowledgement on the Urban Forestry Fund Tree that is displayed in the public lobby of Jamestown’s City Hall. 

The Urban Forestry Fund is a one-of-a-kind fund at the Community Foundation. This is something that is not often found at a foundation that administers over 400 separate funds. Yet, the Urban Forestry Fund and those who created it understood and continue to understand how important it is to keep the City beautiful and environmentally conscious. This fund proves that it is easy and great being green!