On Saturday, October 3, over 100 Slatterly Park neighbors, students, and other Rochester volunteers braved the cold and muddy conditions to plant 100 new trees in the southeast Rochester neighborhood of Slatterly Park.

A high density of open boulevard tree spaces and neighbors without the means to plant trees is one of the criteria that the RNeighborWoods group uses to determine which neighborhood they target for a community tree planting. Slatterly Park is one of Rochester’s oldest neighborhoods and planters encountered many old tree root systems as they dug holes for the new trees. Trees planted on Saturday filled 4,885 feet of boulevards and types planted included Ginkgo, Amur Maackia, and Kentucky Coffee; 866 empty boulevard spaces remain in the neighborhood.

An RNeighbors program, RNeighborWoods partners worked for months to organize this successful event and include Herring Exterior Design, Maier Forest & Tree, Olmsted County Youth Commission, Olmsted County Vital Aging Commission, Rochester City Forester, Rochester Public Utilities, and Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Sponsors stepped forward to provide the volunteers with a colorful RNeighborWoods t-shirt. Local business were generous in providing refreshments for the planters including Panera, Ted Smith Insurance, Local Kwik Trip, The Alliance for Community Trees, and the Home Depot Foundation.

Since 2006, the RNeighborWoods group has planted over 1,000 trees on Rochester boulevards. Trees for this community planting were purchased by the City of Rochester and RPU.

Urban trees are vital to the health of neighborhoods. Frances Kuo and Bill Sullivan of the University of Illinois Human-Environment Research Laboratory have studied how residents in a public housing project in Chicago lived their daily lives based on the amount of contact they had with trees. “People who live in intense poverty have to count on their neighbors for a lot of the social support that they need in their lives,” said Bill Sullivan. “We’re finding trees produce settings in which neighbors get to know each other better and violence is reduced. Therefore, trees are associated with the reduction of one of our most significant important public policy concerns of the day.”

See the photos from this planting on the RNeighbors Facebook page.

2009 Fall Citizen Forester Training

Citizen Forester Workshop
Saturday, September 26, 8 am-noon, at Quarry Hill Nature Center

Over 20 Rochester folks came out early on Saturday, September 26, to learn all about trees at the Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Jacob Ryg, Rochester City Forester led the class with help from Nate Runke, from Maier Forest and Tree and Jesse Hoekstra, RNeighborWoods committee member. Participants were taught about the Rochester urban forest, tree planting basics, care, basic arboriculture, urban forest advocacy, and as well as proper planting techniques.

All graduates of the class were encouraged to be active tree advocates in their neighborhoods and participate in upcoming RNeighborWoods activities, including our fall community tree planting

For more about RNeighborWoods including partners, events, and photos, check the website.

2009 Fall RNeighborWoods Tree Grant

Trees make good neighbors.

Since 2006, the RNeighborWoods program has organized the planting of over 1,000 trees on Rochester boulevards, that provide multiple ecological and other public benefits including reducing Rochester’s carbon footprint. This spring the City of Rochester and RNeighbors is offering a grant for a winning neighborhood to receive free boulevard trees.

Announcing the RNeighborWoods Tree Grant!

We have 20 trees that will all be planted in a deserving neighborhood by the neighbors! You can read about the success of this spring’s neighborhood grant receiptient.

Now tell us your story and make a case for why your neighborhood is deserving of this leafy grant. Eligible neighborhoods must be a registered Neighborhood Association in Rochester or willing to hear about the benefits of organizing into an Association. Applications can be filled out online and will be accepted through Wednesday, September 16, at 5 pm. Neighborhoods will work with the RNeighborWoods committee to determine appropriate tree locations.

Tree varieties available have been selected by Jacob Ryg, City Forester, and include Ginkgo, Bur Oak, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Amur Maackia for spaces under power lines, the appropriate variety will be chosen that will not need to be cut back.

Each application must ensure:

• At least 30 neighbors and one Citizen Forester will be available to help with the planting. RNeighborWoods will oversee the planting.
• There must be a core planning group of four neighbors who commit to taking an active role in the planting planning.
• Planting date must take place on Saturday, October 10, 2009, (rain or shine) at 9 am.
• Neighbors will commit to watering the trees for three full years.
• Boulevard tree recipients must understand that there are times when trees do not survive. There will not be replacement trees for trees that die.

The purpose of the RNeighborWoods Tree grant is to encourage the planting of trees on neighborhood boulevards. RNeighborWoods recognizes the importance and value of trees in Rochester neighborhoods. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits such as lower crime, cleaner air, energy savings, more public revenue, higher property values, and more efficient stormwater management.

The RNeighborWoods committee will evaluate applications and make decisions at their meeting on September 17, 2009. Winners will be communicated with by September 18, 2009.

2009 Spring RNeighborWoods Planting

On Saturday, April 25, over 150 neighbors, youth, and other community volunteers worked together to plant 100 trees in the Kutkzy Park neighborhood. Types of trees planted include Cleveland Pear (smaller tree for under power lines), Ginkgo, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Amur Maackia and now fill approximately 4,393 feet of boulevards. Once again we had a large youth representation, as well as a record number of Citizen Foresters who came out to guide the volunteers.

Over its lifetime, each street tree planted on Saturday will produce a net profit of up to $2,300 by cleaning the air, protecting the water, and creating a cooler and greener Kutzky Park neighborhood (U.S. Forest Service’s Midwest Community Tree Guide).

An RNeighbors program, RNeighborWoods partners worked for months to organize this successful event and include Herring Exterior Design, Maier Forest & Tree, Olmsted County Youth Commission, Olmsted County Vital Aging Commission, Rochester City Forester, Rochester Public Utilities, and Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Neighborhood business were generous in providing sponsorships. Roscoe’s BBQ provided a hot lunch to the chilly tree planters and came out early in the morning to share their tent with us that we used for registration of the planters.

Check out RNeighbors on Facebook and see lots of great photos of this community tree planting.

2009 Spring RNeighborWoods Tree Grant

Trees make good neighbors.

On May 2, Northwest neighbor Tim Nelson rallied his neighborhood together to plant 30 trees on a gorgeous spring Saturday morning. The types of trees planted include Cleveland Pear, Ginkgo, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Amur Maackia and now fill approximately 1,967 feet of street boulevards.

This neighborhood was the recipient of the RNeighborWoods Spring Tree Grant. Two green thumbs up for the work these neighbors and the RNeighborWoods group put in to add trees to their tree-less street.

“Thank you so much! The trees look wonderful lined up on both side of the street,” said Tim. “They have added so much to our neighborhood and I know everyone really appreciates them.”

Check out RNeighbors on Facebook and see photos of the neighbors on 54th Avenue NW working together to green up their street.

2009 Spring Citizen Forester Training

Citizen Forester Workshop
Saturday, April 18, 8 am-noon, at Quarry Hill Nature Center

An record breaking class of 28 individuals came out early on Saturday, April 18, to learn all about trees at the Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Jacob Ryg, Rochester City Forester led the class with help from Nate Runke, from Maier Forest and Tree and Jesse Hoekstra, RNeighborWoods committee member. Participants were taught about the Rochester urban forest, tree planting basics, care, basic arboriculture, urban forest advocacy, and as well as proper planting techniques.

“This class of citizen foresters were the most interactive and interested in getting involved in the learning process that we’ve had in quite some time,” said Jacob. “It shows that we have people in our city that know the benefits of having a healthy urban forest – These new citizen foresters volunteers have a solid foundation of information and resources to begin making a difference in each of their neighborhoods. Something tells me that we’re going to continue to have a huge increase in participation and excitement in our Tree City USA.”

All graduates of the class were encouraged to be active tree advocates in their neighborhoods and participate in upcoming RNeighborWoods activities, including our spring community tree planting

Jesse Hoekstra, one of the enthusiastic RNeighborWoods committee members who have extensive forestry background added, “It was great to hear people “connect the dots” between trees and our quality of life. The group talked avidly about their desire to plant more trees in their yards, neighborhoods and across Rochester. They were so interested in what to do next. We must be ready to utilize their strengths and energy!”

For more about RNeighborWoods including partners, events, and photos, check the website.

2009 Spring RNeighborWoods Tree Grant

Trees make good neighbors.

Since 2006, the RNeighborWoods program has organized the planting of over 1,000 trees on Rochester boulevards, that provide multiple ecological and other public benefits including reducing Rochester’s carbon footprint. This spring the City of Rochester and RNeighbors is offering a grant for a winning neighborhood to receive free boulevard trees.

Announcing the RNeighborWoods Tree Grant!

We have 20 trees that will all be planted in a deserving neighborhood by the neighbors! You can read about the success of last fall’s neighborhood grant receiptient.

Now tell us your story and make a case for why your neighborhood is deserving of this leafy grant. Eligible neighborhoods must be a registered Neighborhood Association in Rochester or willing to hear about the benefits of organising into an Association. Applications can be filled out online and will be accepted through Sunday, April 12, at 5 pm. Neighborhoods will work with the RNeighborWoods committee to determine appropriate tree locations.

Tree varieties available have been selected by Jacob Ryg, City Forester, and include Ginkgo, Bur Oak, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Amur Maackia for spaces under power lines, the appropriate variety will be chosen that will not need to be cut back.

Each application must ensure:

• At least 30 neighbors and one Citizen Forester will be available to help with the planting. RNeighborWoods will oversee the planting.
• There must be a core planning group of four neighbors who commit to taking an active role in the planting planning.
• Planting date must take place on Saturday, May 2, 2009, (rain or shine) at 9 am.
• Neighbors will commit to watering the trees for three full years.
• Boulevard tree recipients must understand that there are times when trees do not survive. There will not be replacement trees for trees that die.

The purpose of the RNeighborWoods Tree grant is to encourage the planting of trees on neighborhood boulevards. RNeighborWoods recognizes the importance and value of trees in Rochester neighborhoods. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits such as lower crime, cleaner air, energy savings, more public revenue, higher property values, and more efficient stormwater management.

The RNeighborWoods committee will evaluate applications and make decisions at their meeting on April 13, 2009. Winners will be communicated with by April 14, 2009.

Sandy Chang Honored by Beat the Odds Scholarship

On Thursday, January 29, Sandy Chang was honored as one of the recipients of an RCTC Beat the Odds scholarship. This program is an annual event that celebrates youth who have overcome tremendous odds to become personally and academically successful. The purpose of the program is to raise awareness of the struggles of many youth in our community and recognize their ability to overcome difficulties.

Sandy has worked with several RNeighbors programs in the past several years. Specifically, on the RNeighborWoods committee as the Youth Commission representative. Through her leadership, commitment to service, and work ethic she has assisted in the effort to plant hundreds of trees in Rochester neighborhoods.

Sandy is one of 25 Olmsted County youth, who partner with area businesses, local government, and other community organizations to:

• promote leadership opportunities for youth
• increase awareness of important youth needs and issues
• recognize youth contributions and the importance of youth
• participation in community life and decision-making

Sandy has served on the Youth Commission Executive Committee for 2 years, and this year Co-Chairs the entire group. Her leadership style is based on her appreciation of the value that diversity of culture, opinion, socio-economic status, and ability bring to community life and service.

Mary Gorfine, Olmsted County Youth Commission Coordinator said, “I have worked with outstanding youth in this community for many years, and I can honestly say that Sandy is extraordinary. She is a respectful listener, shares her personal opinions and ideas articulately, and accepts criticism and opposing viewpoints with humility and equanimity. Sandy is a shining light among youth in Olmsted County, and a perfect illustration of all that is good in our next generation of leaders. She makes a difference in the lives of those she touches, and has learned at a young age that we all share responsibility for making the world a better place.”

The RNeighbors family congratulates Sandy on this very deserving award and thanks her for all that she’s done for Rochester neighborhoods!

2008 Fall RNeighborWoods Tree Grant

The below story was written by Jesse Hoekstra. Jesse loves trees! He has his forestry degree, is a certified Citizen Forester, volunteers in the RNeighborWoods program, and submitted a grant proposal for the 2008 Fall RNeighborWoods Tree Grant. His grant was accepted and now 30 new boulevard trees are beautifying the older Eastside neighborhood’s streets thanks to his community activism.

Keep an eye on this website for the 2009 Spring RNeighborWoods Tree Grant and apply for 30 new trees for your neighborhood!

Trees grow and become valuable neighbors.

RNeighborWoods Tree Grant winners planted 30 boulevard trees in the Eastside neighborhood on Saturday, October 4, 2008. Over 20 volunteers including Jacob Ryg, City Forester, and RNeighborWoods partners dug the holes and put the potted trees in the boulevards.

This tree planting brought together many neighbors from the Eastside Pioneers Neighborhood Association who have never met but share a common interest in beautifying their streets and neighborhood. Many volunteers had little tree planting experience and were excited to learn proper tree planting techniques from the Citizen Foresters. Young and old worked together smoothly to give these trees new homes.

The newly planted tree species consisted of Amur Maackia, Kentucy Coffee tree (Gymnocladus diocious), and Ginko Biloba. In older neighborhoods it is especially important to plant trees of different species and fill empty planting spaces. A wide variety of tree species and tree age are crucial to maintaining a healthy urban forest. With a little care these trees will grow and provide value, beyond beauty to the neighborhood.

In less than two hours all the trees were planted, mulched and staked. Afterward many of the volunteers shared thoughts about the day and stories from the neighborhood over pastries and bagels provided by Panera bread and Daube’s bakery.

2008 Fall RNeighborWoods Planting

On Saturday, September 27, over 175 school and service groups, neighbors, families, RNeighborWoods partners, volunteers, and Citizen Foresters joined together in a morning of service to plant 100 new trees in the southeast Rochester neighborhood of Homestead Park. Thanks to the Olmsted County Youth Commission, youth came out in force to green up this neighborhood. All local high schools were represented, including Stewartville and Byron.

A high density of open boulevard tree spaces and neighbors without the means to plant trees is one of the criteria that the RNeighborWoods group uses to determine which neighborhood they target for a community tree planting. According to Jacob Ryg, Rochester’s City Forester, there were only four trees standing on Homestead Lane, out of 110 total boulevard tree planting spaces.

In the 1960’s trees were planted in this neighborhood following the planting practices of the day. All of the trees were planted too deep, and eventually suffered from stem girdling roots and had to be taken down. None had been replanted until Saturday.

An RNeighbors program, RNeighborWoods partners worked for months to organize this successful event and include Herring Exterior Design, Maier Forest & Tree, Olmsted County Youth Commission, Olmsted County Vital Aging Commission, Rochester City Forester, Rochester Public Utilities, and Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Local business were generous in providing refreshments for the planters including BP Pump N’ Munch Convenience Stores, Panera Bread, and Home Depot. Sponsors stepped forward to provide the volunteers with a colorful RNeighborWoods t-shirt. This RNeighborWoods planting was part of a national day of service, through Service Nation, to encourage citizen service in our country and our neighborhoods.

Since 2006, the RNeighborWoods group has planted 200 seedlings and 820 ball-in-burlap and container trees on Rochester boulevards. Trees for this community planting were purchased by the City of Rochester and RPU.

Urban trees are vital to the health of neighborhoods. Frances Kuo and Bill Sullivan of the University of Illinois Human-Environment Research Laboratory have studied how residents in a public housing project in Chicago lived their daily lives based on the amount of contact they had with trees. “People who live in intense poverty have to count on their neighbors for a lot of the social support that they need in their lives,” said Bill Sullivan. “We’re finding trees produce settings in which neighbors get to know each other better and violence is reduced. Therefore, trees are associated with the reduction of one of our most significant important public policy concerns of the day.”

Check photos from the planting out on our website.

RNeighbors Knocks on Doors in the Homestead Lane SE Neighborhood

The evening of Wednesday, September 24, RNeighbors canvassed the neighborhood on Homestead Village Lane SE, letting them all know about a community tree planting going on in their neighborhood.

Armed with colorful door hanging literature (compliments of Alliance for Community Trees) volunteers knocked on doors and greeted neighbors in yards, encouraging each of them to join in Saturday’s tree planting.

According to Jacob Ryg, Rochester’s City Forester, there are only four trees planted on this street, out of 110 total boulevard tree planting spaces. In the 1960’s trees were planted in this neighborhood following the planting practices of the day. All of the trees were planted too deep, and eventually suffered from stem girdling roots and had to be taken down. None were replanted. A high density of open boulevard tree spaces without the means to plant trees is one of the criteria that the RNeighborWoods group uses to determine which neighborhood they target for a community tree planting. Homestead Lane is well deserving of the greening this fall.

The reception that our door knocking group received for the neighbors was powerfully enthusiastic and hopefully an indicator of participation at our Saturday, September 27th event.

All ages are invited. Meet, rain or shine at 9 am, at Homestead Park SE. Additional details can be found on our website.

2008 Fall Citizen Forester Training

Citizen Forester Workshop
Saturday, September 20, 8 am-noon, at Quarry Hill Nature Center

An energetic class of 15 came out early on Saturday, September 20, for a packed morning of tree information and ended it with planting a tree in the front yard at Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Jacob Ryg, Rochester City Forester led the class with help from Nate Runke, from Maier Forest and Tree. Participants were taught about the Rochester urban forest, tree planting basics, care, basic arboriculture, urban forest advocacy, and as well as proper planting techniques.

The most important thing the class learned? Hopefully, as Jacob said, “if you carry nothing else away from this class I want to make sure that you remember the proper height at which to plant a tree. Always check for the first main lateral root and plant the tree with the dirt starting at this root. This will help to ensure that the tree your planting will be enjoyed and healthy for generations to come.”

All graduates of the class were encouraged to be active tree advocates in their neighborhoods and participate in upcoming RNeighborWoods activities, including our fall community tree planting

For more about RNeighborWoods including partners, events, and photos, check the website.

The Citizen Forester class plants the first tree with the new knowledge they received from their morning of instruction. Hopefully this tree will grow strong and be enjoyed for years by visitors to Quarry Hill Nature Center.

RNeighborWoods Joins with ServiceNation

Uniting Americans In common cause.
Tackling Our greatest social challenges.
Citizens giving back to community and country.

RNeighborWoods has joined in a national campaign to encourage citizen service in our country and our neighborhoods. Please check out our September 27, 2008, fall community tree planting event on the Service Nation website with additional information on the RNeighbors website.

Service Nation is building a national movement to inspire a new era of citizen service in America. ServiceNation is a campaign by the people, for the people, and of the people.

Why Service? Why This Campaign?

• Service is the great equalizer.
• Service builds community among people, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
• Service allows us to participate in something bigger than ourselves.
• Service demonstrates that our commonalities as a people are greater than our individual differences.
• In the act of transforming our communities for the better, we end up transforming ourselves.

This tree planting is sponsored by the Alliance for Community Trees (ACT) and is in cooperation with The Home Depot’s Corporate Month of Service for The Home Depot and ServiceNation Day of Action.

RNeighborWoods Tree Grant

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Mon, 2008-09-08 13:15.

Trees make good neighbors.Since 2006, the RNeighborWoods group has planted 200 seedlings and 718 ball-in-burlap trees in Rochester. This fall the City of Rochester and RNeighbors is offering a grant for a winning neighborhood to receive free boulevard trees.

Announcing the RNeighborWoods Tree Grant!

We have 30 trees that will all be planted in a deserving neighborhood by the neighbors!

Tell us your story and make a case for why your neighborhood is deserving of this leafy grant. All registered Neighborhood Associations in Rochester are eligible to apply for this grant. Applications can be filled out online and will be accepted through Monday, September 22, at 5 pm. Neighborhoods will work with the RNeighborWoods committee to determine appropriate tree locations.

Tree varieties available have been selected by Jacob Ryg, City Forester, and include Amur Maackia and Kentucky Coffeetree. For spaces under power lines, the appropriate variety will be chosen that will not need to be cut back.

Each application must ensure:

• At least 30 neighbors and one Citizen Forester will be available to help with the planting. RNeighborWoods will oversee the planting.
• There must be a core planning group of four neighbors who commit to taking an active role in the planting planning.
• Planting date must take place on Saturday, October 4, (rain or shine) at 9 am.
• Neighbors will commit to watering the trees for three full years.
• Boulevard tree recipients must understand that there are times when trees do not survive. There will not be replacement trees for trees that die.

The purpose of the RNeighborWoods Tree grant is to encourage the planting of trees on neighborhood boulevards. RNeighborWoods recognizes the importance and value of trees in Rochester neighborhoods. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits such as lower crime, cleaner air, energy savings, more public revenue, higher property values, and more efficient stormwater management.

The RNeighborWoods committee will evaluate applications and make decisions at their meeting on September 23. Winners will be communicated with by September 25.

2008 Spring RNeighborWoods Planting

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Thu, 2008-05-15 10:27.

Led by Crystal, this group from Community Corrections worked hard all day. Their leader and the corrections program strives to engage and empower these youth and planting trees is one step in a positive direction!

At the RNeighborWoods planting on April 26th, 2008, over 140 volunteers showed up on a cold and snowy morning to help plant 100 trees in the Northern Addition Neighborhood. As an interesting side note, this neighborhood is entitled the “Northern Addition” because in 1857 it was the northern most plat of the land that would become the city of Rochester.

This event would not have been possible without the green partnerships in the RNeighborWoods program including Maier Forest & Tree, Olmsted County Youth and Vital Aging Commission, the Rochester City Forester, RPU, and Rochester Park and Rec. Volunteers from the neighborhood, taking pride in their neighborhood, Cronin Home were there bright and early, worked hard, and stayed until the last tree was in the ground.

Neighborhood business were generous in providing sponsorships including McDonald’s, Pepsi, Great Harvest Bread Company, Nickelson Painting, Thee Only Shoe Repair, The Gingerbread House, Susan Madden of State Farm Insurance. Roscoe’s BBQ provided a hot lunch to the chilly tree planters.

It was a chilly day but planters were diligent and all of the trees were in the ground by lunch. Check photos from the planting out on our website.

According to the American Forestry Association, if every family in the US planted just one tree a year, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by one billion pounds. We greatly appreciate the time and commitment from all of our planters to giving the Northern Addition neighborhood some trees that will grow greenly for generations to come.

2008 Spring RNeighborWoods Tree Grant

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Thu, 2008-02-28 14:03.

In all Badger Ridge planted 56 trees in their neighborhood this fall.

Announcing the RNeighborWoods Tree Grant!Trees make good neighbors.

Since 2006, the RNeighborWoods group has planted 200 seedlings and 588 ball-in-burlap trees in Rochester. For the second time, the City of Rochester and RNeighbors is offering a grant for a winning neighborhood to receive free boulevard trees.

We have 30 trees that will all be planted in deserving neighborhoods. Tell us your story and make a case for why your neighborhood is deserving of this grant. Applications can be filled out online and will be accepted through Monday, March 17, at 5 pm. Neighborhoods can choose how many trees they would like to be planted, up to 30.

Tree varieties available have been selected by Jacob Ryg, City Forester, and include Amur Maackia, Ivory Silk Tree Lilac, Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, and Kentucky Coffeetree. For spaces under power lines, the appropriate variety will be chosen that will not need to be cut back.

Each application must ensure:

• At least 30 neighbors and one Citizen Forester will be available to help with the planting. The City Forester will oversee the planting.
• Planting date must take place Saturday, May 3, 2008.
• Neighbors will commit to watering the trees for three full years.

The purpose of the RNeighborWoods Tree grant to encourage the planting of trees on neighborhood boulevards. RNeighborWoods recognizes the importance and value of trees in Rochester neighborhoods. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits such as lower crime, cleaner air, energy savings, more public revenue, higher property values, and more efficient stormwater management.

Last fall over 50 boulevard trees were planted through this grant thanks to Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), the City of Rochester, and RNeighbors. Read more about that success on our website .

The RNeighborWoods committee will evaluate applications and make decisions at their meeting on March 18. The one neighborhood chosen will be notified by March 19.

2007 Fall RNeighborWoods Planting

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Tue, 2007-11-06 22:38.

Planters from the Willow Creek after school program.There was green everywhere on Saturday, October 27, 2007.

Green T-shirts, green trees, green thumbs, and even green wood chip buckets.

As part of national NeighborWoods Month, school and service groups, neighbors, families, RNeighborWoods partners, Rochester volunteers, and Citizen Foresters showed up in-force to plant 100 trees on Marion Road.

Planters were greeted by RNeighbors board members and friends. They were supplied with refreshments compliments of BP BP Pump N’ Munch Convenience Stores, given Kelly green shirts compliments of our fall sponsors, and bright orange tool belts compliments of the Home Depot Foundation and the Alliance for Community Trees.

When we snapped the first group photo there were about 200 participants. Jacob Ryg, the City Forester then demonstrated the correct way to plant a tree. The tree planting started, and then…down the sidewalk walked about 50 helpful smiles. This group was a Somali after-school class from a Marion Road apartment complex. They showed up, eager to plant some trees and beautify their neighborhood.

RPU supplied the orange safety cones that lined Marion Road. Led by RNeighborWoods certified Citizen Foresters, a certified Arborist from Maier Forest & Tree, and the City Forester, this team put in the ground Accolade Elm, Amur Maackia, Hackberry, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Ginkgo trees. These trees were purchased by the City of Rochester and will not grow into the power lines above, nor are they susceptible to the current tree predators, such as the Emerald Ash Borer . Each tree was then watered at least once by a Olmsted County water truck, assisted by a local youth.

People from all walks of life came together to plant these trees. In all, over 260 community members came out to participate in this official Year of the Family event, including lots of families. Look through the colorful photos in our gallery.

As an RNeighborWoods partner, the Olmsted County Youth Commission was out in full force with over 60 students eager and willing. Students from many area elementary, middle schools and high schools participated, outnumbering adults by about 3 to 1. Kids from Many Rivers Juvenile Treatment facility were on the scene at 8:30 am to assist with the event set up and were the last group to leave.

“Thanks to RNeighbors , the City of Rochester, and RPU for coordinating this great project,” said Mary Gorfine, Olmsted County Youth Commission Coordinator. “And for understanding that the influence of caring adults in the lives of children is a make or break issue for the future of those young people – and a make or break issue for the continued economic and social success of our community. All children have promise – and no where was it more evident than on Saturday morning along Marion Road.”

Why did we want to plant trees? Because, as the planting t-shirts said “Trees make good neighbors”. Over 50 years, an urban tree provides an estimated $273 a year in reduced costs for air conditioning, erosion control, stormwater control, air pollution, and wildlife shelter (source: Friends of Trees website). Now the Marion Road neighborhood can reap the benefits!

Thanks to our fall RNeighborWoods events, there are now an additional 10,995 feet of tree lined boulevards in Rochester neighborhoods. All of the RNeighborWoods partners thank you for your active participation and encourage you to actively care for our urban forest by either attending our next planting, learning more about the importance of trees, taking the next Citizen Forester class, or talking to your city and county representative to tell them that you feel trees are important.

Neighborhood Tree Grant – a Leafy Success

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Thu, 2007-10-18 13:21.

All ages of Folwell neighbors came out to plant their trees.

Have you ever taken the time to appreciate a tree-lined street? Four Rochester neighborhoods will now be able to enjoy leafy boulevards next spring, thanks to recent tree plantings in Rochester.As part National NeighborWoods month, RNeighborWoods offered a Neighborhood Tree Grant for winning neighborhoods to receive free boulevard trees. Since 2006, the RNeighborWoods group has planted 200 seedlings and 444 ball-in-burlap boulevard trees in Rochester.

What is a boulevard? It’s an city-owned area between the edge of street or curb and the sidewalk, or property line if no sidewalk exists.

Slatterly Park Neighbors planted their 10 granted trees. Ed Hruska, City Council member stopped by to help.

Four neighborhoods received these trees and planting assistance including Hart Farms, Badger Ridge, Slatterly Park, and Folwell. Tree varieties planted were chosen by Jacob Ryg, City Forester, and include Accolade Elm, Amur Maackia, Hackberry, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Ginkgo. For spaces under power lines, the appropriate variety was chosen. Trees were purchased by the City and RPU. Most neighborhoods choose to purchase additional trees. All total, 106 trees were planted in neighborhoods thanks to the work of volunteers and the Neighborhood Tree Grant.

In all Badger Ridge planted 56 trees in their neighborhood this fall.

Jessi Mauskemo, a resident of Tomah Place, in the Badger Ridge development, helped to organize her neighbors and plant 56 trees this week. Jessi said, “What you have done for our sub-division has been terrific, a huge thank you to RNeighborWoods for all of the wonderful trees! They look fabulous and add green to our neighborhood.”RNeighborWoods recognizes the importance and value of trees in Rochester neighborhoods. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits such as lower crime, cleaner air, energy savings, more public revenue, higher property values, and more efficient stormwater management.

RNeighborWoods Partners

• Maier Forest & Tree
• Olmsted County Youth Commission
• Olmsted County Vital Aging Commission
• Rochester City Forester
• Rochester Public Utilities
• RNeighbors

National NeighborWoods Partners

• Alliance for Community Trees (ACT)
• Home Depot Foundation

2007 Fall Citizen Forester Training

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Tue, 2007-10-16 17:55.

RNeighborWoods held a Citizen Forestry class on Saturday October 13, 2007, at the Quarry Hill Nature Center.The class of both youth and adults were treated to an afternoon filled with education, information, and even entertainment. Those in attendance, were instructed as to proper tree planting steps, correct methods of branch pruning, varieties suitable for the Southern MN area, and follow-up tree care including watering, mulching and staking when necessary. A beautiful Kentucky Coffee tree was planted on the Quarry Hill site by the attendees, using the information gained earlier during the class.

The event concluded with City Forester, and class instructor, Jacob Ryg, with the help of Certified Arborist Nate Runke, demonstrating the art of Vertical Tree Harness climbing. RNeighborWoods trusty volunteer Dave Moehnke was on hand to help things run smoothly and capture these great photos.Attendees were given the opportunity to “rise to the occasion”.

Some graduates of this class will help to lead the fall RNeighborWoods boulevard tree planting on Marion Road, Saturday, October 27. There will be free RNeighborWoods t-shirts to the first 150 people, free refreshments for all, and over 100 trees to plant. This family friendly activity will begin at 9:30 am. We welcome you to join in the fun!

RNeighborWoods Tree Grant

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Thu, 2007-09-13 10:04.

Trees make good neighbors.Since 2006, the RNeighborWoods group has planted 200 seedlings and 338 ball-in-burlap trees in Rochester. This fall the City of Rochester and RNeighbors is offering a grant for winning neighborhood(s) to receive free boulevard trees.

Announcing the RNeighborWoods Tree Grant!

We have 30 trees that will all be planted in deserving neighborhoods. Tell us your story and make a case for why your neighborhood is deserving of this grant. All registered Neighborhood Associations in Rochester are eligible to apply for this grant. Applications can be filled out online and will be accepted through Monday, September 24, at 5 pm. Neighborhoods can choose how many trees they would like to be planted, up to 30.

Tree varieties available have been selected by Jacob Ryg, City Forester, and include Accolade Elm, Amur Maackia, Hackberry, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Ginkgo. For spaces under power lines, the appropriate variety will be chosen that will not need to be cut back.

Each application must ensure:

• At least 30 neighbors and one Citizen Forester will be available to help with the planting. The City Forester will oversee the planting.
• Planting date must take place during the week of October 15-19, 2007.
• Neighbors will commit to watering the trees for three full years.

The purpose of the RNeighborWoods Tree grant to encourage the planting of trees on neighborhood boulevards. RNeighborWoods recognizes the importance and value of trees in Rochester neighborhoods. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits such as lower crime, cleaner air, energy savings, more public revenue, higher property values, and more efficient stormwater management.

The RNeighborWoods committee will evaluate applications and make decisions at their meeting on September 25. Winners will be notified and posted on the RNeighbors website by October 1.

RNeighborWoods Celebrates National NeighborWoods Month 2007

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Thu, 2007-09-13 09:41.

Once again RNeighborWoods is joining in the national NeighborWoods Month (October). Be sure to check out the National NeighborWoods’ website as there are some Rochester photos right on their homepage!Rochester Fall Activities Will Include

• Community Boulevard Tree Planting on October 27, on Marion Road
  Did you know that every year we loose 800-1000 boulevard trees in Rochester? We’ll do a small part to add back to the boulevards by planting 100 trees on Marion Road, beautifying this neighborhood. Tree varieties that will be planted have been selected by Jacob Ryg, City Forester, and include Accolade Elm, Amur Maackia, Hackberry, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Ginkgo. For spaces under power lines, the appropriate variety will be chosen that will not need to be cut back.Bring your family, your friends, and your neighbors. We’ll all work together to improve our community. Rain or shine.

  You can read more about this event on our website.

• Citizen Forester Training on October 13, 12-5 pm, at Quarry Hill Nature Center
  Join us on Saturday for an intense day of tree education, climbing, and planting.Even if you’ve already gone through Citizen Forester training and are a tree-pro, you’ll learn new facts during this afternoon.

  You can read more about this event on our website

• RNeighborWoods Neighborhood Tree Grant
  All registered Neighborhood Associations in Rochester are eligible to apply for this grant and get brand new boulevard trees to shade their streets.Applications will be accepted online through Monday, September 24, at 5 pm.

Since 2004, RNeighborWoods in Rochester has been working with partners, neighborhood by neighborhood, to plan, plant, and manage trees, in order to catalyze city-wide improvement on Rochester’s urban forest.

Partners for the 2007 RNeighborWoods Events Include

• Maier Forest & Tree
• Olmsted County Youth Commission
• Olmsted County Vital Aging Commission
• Rochester City Forester
• Rochester Public Utilities
• RNeighbors

2007 Spring RNeighborWoods Planting

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Fri, 2007-05-04 23:35.

Question. At what RNeighbors community event can you find the following?

• One 20-foot-high chicken
• 240 volunteers, armed with shovels and rakes
• Heaps of bright yellow t-shirts
• One loud Deuce and a half military troop vehicle filled with high school kids
• 100 unplanted trees
• 50 orange safety cones
• An Olmsted County Water Truck

Any ideas?

If you guessed the circus. You’re wrong.

If you guessed the Saturday, April 28, 2007, RNeighborWoods tree planting, you were right!

Last Saturday, over 240 Rochester volunteers of all ages planted 100 trees on Elton Hills Drive, in less than 90 minutes.

What a group it was.

Planters were greeted by RNeighbors board members and registered by City Council representative Bruce Snyder. They were given bright yellow shirts compliments of our spring sponsors. Welcomed by a 20-foot-high chicken (compliments of Snappy Stops in Rochester) and City Council President Denny Hanson, participants then crowded around Jacob Ryg, the City Forester and learned the proper way to plant a tree.

With orange safety cones lining Elton Hills Drive, this group went forward. Led by RNeighborWoods certified Citizen Foresters, certified Arborists from Maier Forest & Tree, and the City Forester, this team put in the ground Serviceberry, Tree Lilac, and Adams Crabapple trees. These trees were purchased by RPU and will not grow up into the power wires, nor are they susceptible to the current tree predators of the Emerald Ash Borer. Each tree was then watered at least once by a Olmsted County water truck.

Who came out to this planting?

Lots of families. Some from the Elton Hills neighborhood and some from other neighborhoods in Rochester. As you look through the photos in our gallery, you’ll see that we had lots of little planters participating. The first toddlers on the scene were awarded with tiny shovels, just their size.

An RNeighborWoods partner, the Olmsted County Youth Commission was out in full force with over 50 students eager and willing. Kids from Many Rivers Juvenile Treatment facility, Century High School, and John Marshall High School. Youth Commissioners who recruited others and worked at the planting include Ben Chambers, Dottie Voigt, Beth Karon, Maryanne Hauser, Ellen Ytterberg, Derek Robey, and Jay Lee.

Operation Hometown Gratitude (OHG) showed up on the scene in their usual style, driving a military troop vehicle, their Deuce-and-a half. This group of energetic high school students packs care packages for troops stationed overseas and is very active in the Rochester community doing service projects, including tree plantings.

But wait. We also had the older and wiser generation present. Members of the Vital Aging Commission were present including Ione Schloegel, and Irv Plitzuweit. There was an expert tree planter and grandfather present, who brought his five year old grandson out to plant. An 85-year old Elton Hills neighbor was one of the first on the scene that day, excited to plant trees on his street.

Thanks to these amazing volunteers, there is now 5,675 feet of open boulevard spaces now filled with live trees.

So have we made a huge dent in beefing up our Rochester urban forest?

Well, it’s a start.

Currently there are 25,000 vacant tree spaces throughout Rochester, out of a total of 52,000 spaces. We’re currently at less than half of our capacity.

There are 7,000 Ash trees on Rochester boulevards, which are susceptible to the latest pest, the Emerald Ash Borer . This beetle has killed more than 20 million ash trees in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. It is feared this bug will be attacking Minnesota trees soon. In Rochester we lost 15,378 trees to the Dutch Elm plague.

Each year (even without the EAB plague) 1,681 Rochester trees need to be taken down due to disease or risk potential, over half of these are on public property.

Do all of these facts seem depressing for the future of Rochester’s urban forest?

Don’t worry.

RNeighborWoods is making baby steps to improve the Rochester tree canopy. We believe it’s about not only planting, but also about educating.

Since 2004, RNeighborWoods has trained over 115 community members as Citizen Foresters. That doesn’t even include our inaugural class of Jr. Citizen Foresters!

In the fall of 2006, RNeighborWoods volunteers planted 238 trees and this spring volunteers planted 100 trees. We hope to have another planting fall of 2007 in a neighborhood near you! Keep checking for upcoming planting dates.

All of the RNeighborWoods partners thank you for your active participation and encourage you to actively care for our urban forest by either attending our next planting, learning more about the importance of trees, taking the next Citizen Forester class, or talking to your city and county representative to tell them that you feel trees are important to Rochester neighborhoods.

Jr. Citizen Foresters

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Fri, 2007-05-04 20:06.

The RNeighborWoods gang held their first ever Jr. Citizen Forester class on Thursday, April 26, 2007, 4-5:30pm, at Quarry Hill Nature Center. And what a fun class it was!The free class was organized by RNeighbors and led by Jacob Ryg, the Rochester City Forester and Lyle, a Certified Arborist from Maier Forest & Tree.

The broad age range of small kids to youth spent the first part of the class learning all about the basics of trees, planting and proper care.

Then the outdoors adventure began! The class went outside and enjoyed the trees at Quarry Hill, literally. Instructors strapped them in safely and then hoisted the students up into the trees. The finale of the class was the group planting a tree together.Hopefully these official Jr. Citizen Foresters will love and protect trees throughout their lives. In twenty years they can visit the tree they planted at Quarry Hill!

Unique Trees of Rochester Class

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Wed, 2007-05-02 12:58.

What
Community Education Class: Unique Trees of Rochester (Class # 8641.221)

Class Description
Have you ever wondered about the interesting trees in Rochester? If so please join Jacob Ryg, the city forester, and members of the Zumbro Valley Woodland Council on a city tour of Rochester’s unique trees. We’ll talk about proper tree pruning and planting for your urban trees and learn about some of Rochester’s urban forestry activities. Please dress for the weather. Transportation from the Rochester Forestry Department office will be provided. Cosponsored with Zumbro Valley Woodland Council. Instructors: Jacob Ryg and Zumbro Valley Woodland Council members

Class Location
Rochester Forestry Department at Off Site Rochester Forestry Department

Date
Sat. May 19, 2007
Registrations accepted through May 11, 2007

Time
9 AM-11:30 AM

1 Sessions

Class Minimum Enrollment 10
Class Maximum Enrollment 30

Register today!

If you have further questions or wish to register please contact Karen Koeller, Adult Enrichment Coordinator at Rochester Community Education. (507)285-8647

2007 Spring Citizen Forester Training

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Thu, 2007-04-26 10:45.

In celebration of Earth week, the spring RNeighborWoods Citizen Forester training graduated 17 tree enthusiasts on Wednesday, April 25, 2007. The class culminated with the group, led by Girl Scout Troop 100 planting a ball and burlap tree at the Quarry Hill Nature Center.The RNeighborWoods Citizen Forester program presents a hands-on opportunity to learn how to plant, prune, and maintain trees. It also provides a chance to get involved and help our community take care of its urban forest. Since 2004, this program has now trained over 115 community members as Citizen Foresters.

Classes took place on Tuesday, April 24, and Wednesday, April 25, from 4-6 pm, at the Quarry Hill Nature Center. The free class was led by Jacob Ryg, the Rochester City Forester and Lyle, a Certified Arborist from Maier Forest & Tree. It concluded with a hands-on opportunity to plant a tree properly.

Seventeen adults and young people took this two-day instruction class on tree basics including tree care, diseases and pests, proper planting techniques, benefits of trees, urban forestry, and community tree issues.

The class planted a Service Berry (sometimes called a June Berry) tree, native to Southeastern MN. It will be a part of the scenic landscape and be enjoyed by visitors to Quarry Hill Nature Center for years to come.

Some graduates of this class will help to lead the spring RNeighborWoods boulevard tree planting on Elton Hills Drive, Saturday, April 28. There will be free RNeighborWoods t-shirts to the first 150 people, free refreshments for all, and over 100 trees to plant. This family friendly activity will begin at 9:30 am and end with the Litter Bit Better picnic at 11:30 am. We welcome you to join in the fun!

RNeighbors Celebrates Arbor Week

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Mon, 2007-04-23 07:45.

Are you eager to improve and green your neighborhood?NeighborWoods in Rochester celebrates as part of National NeighborWoods month by offering free Citizen Forester classes and a community boulevard tree planting event.

The Citizen Forester program presents a hands-on opportunity for you to learn how to plant, prune, and maintain trees. It also provides you the chance to get involved and help our community take care of its public trees. Since 2004, this program has already trained 75 community members as Citizen Foresters.

These free classes will be led by Jacob Ryg, the Rochester City Forester and a Certified Arborist. Classes will take place on Wednesday, October 4 and Thursday, October 5, from 4-6 pm, at the Park and Recreation Shop, 403 East Center Street.

To be certified as a Citizen Forester, you will need to attend both classes. Topics covered will include proper hands-on planting experience; benefits of trees; urban forestry; and community tree issues. All materials and tools will be provided.

Participants who successfully complete the combination of classroom instruction and field training will have the opportunity to lead the NeighborWoods tree planting event on October 21.

Funded through the City of Rochester and RPU, the NeighborWoods Tree Planting event will plant 225 trees on three boulevards, 75 at each spot. All planters will receive a free utility belt and the satisfaction of knowing that they’ve assisted in planting trees for current and future generations to enjoy.

The NeighborWoods Tree Planting will take place rain or shine on Saturday, October 21, at 10 am. Volunteers should wear work clothes (rain gear if needed) and bring their own shovels.

Planting locations include:

• Boulevard #1
  20th Street SE, and adjoining 8th and 9th Avenues
  (meet in Ben Franklin Elementary parking lot, 1801 9th Avenue SE)
• Boulevard #2
  50th Avenue and 55th Street NW
  (meet at White Oaks Park, 4597 55th Street NW)
• Boulevard #3
  Elton Hills Drive West
  (meet at Riverview West Park, 2600 block on West River Parkway)

For more information about NeighborWoods in Rochester please check the website. For information on how how volunteers can assist with the October 21 NeighborWoods tree planting, please email René Lafflam at RNeighbors. You may also call to register, (507) 529-4150. Please leave a daytime phone number if you leave a message.

2006 NeighborWoods Sponsors

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Wed, 2006-09-27 10:23.

As with any successful community effort, the fall NeighborWoods in Rochester planting was a collaborative effort and could not have been done without the help of a large team.

The majority of the 2006 fall NeighborWoods Planting was funded by the City of Rochester. Rochester Public Utilities also gave a large portion of money to fund the planting. Our thanks to both for caring about Rochester’s urban forest!

• Great advice and resources were given to us by the National Alliance for Community Trees (ACT).
• Sekapp Orchard provided apples for both of the Citizen Forester classes.
• Panera Bread will provide coffee and bagels for all three of the October 21 planting locations.
• Tami Timbeross with Prudential Metrowide Realty will be donating the water.

At the planting, orange utility belts will be given away. Fun things have been donated to stuff into the pockets.

Please thank these clubs, businesses, and organizations by your loyalty.

We give them all a big neighborly Thank You!

• Hammel, Green and Abrahamson (HGA)
• National Alliance for Community Trees
• Hair Studio 52
• Office Max
• Steps to a Healthier Rochester
• City of Rochester, Mayor’s Office
• RNeighbors, Rochester’s Neighborhood Resource Center
• Rochester Public Utilities
• Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Thomas Evan
• Wells Fargo Bank, 55th Street NW

NeighborWoods News

Submitted by Rene Jones Lafflam on Sun, 2006-07-16 13:26.

RNeighbors is currently seeking funds to support a Fall 2006 Citizen Forester Training, and Community Boulevard Planting.

Dates have been scheduled for the Fall NeighborWoods events:

• Citizen Forester Training
  Wednesday and Thursday, October 4 and 5
  4-6 pm, at the Park and Rec. Shop, 403 East Center Street
• Community Boulevard Planting Event
  Saturday, October 21
  10 am

The program intends to plant trees along each of the following Boulevards:

• Boulevard #1
  20th St SE, and adjoining 8th and 9th Avenues at Ben Franklin Elementary (Meadow Park)
• Boulevard #2
  55th Street NW (Golfview, Lincolnshire/ Arbor Glen)
• Boulevard #3
  Elton Hills Drive and West River Parkway

Currently Rochester only has approximately 40% of the available tree planting spaces filled; NeighborWoods has a long term goal to fill these vacant spaces to 85% capacity.

The cost of successful community tree planting is expensive, RNeighbors will be seeking additional partners to strengthen NeighborWoods in Rochester. Together we can make a lasting impact on Rochester’s urban forest.

Please contact us if you would like more information on how your service group, organization, or business can become involved or contribute.