On Saturday, October 13, local teenagers will help Friends of Grand Rapids Parks plant trees in Riverside Park. Each tree planted will be in honor of a donor who recently joined Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Metz Legacy Society. The teens are members of the Community Foundation’s Youth Grant Committee.

“To join the Metz Legacy Society, a donor includes a gift to the Community Foundation in his/her estate plan,” explained Marilyn Zack, vice president of development. “As we discussed meaningful ways to recognize these donors, we thought a tree would be a perfect symbol. Like the tree, the donor’s eventual gift will grow and help the community thrive for many years to come.” 

The offer to plant the trees came at the right time for Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.  The organization recently launched its Urban Forest Project. One objective of the project is to grow the Grand Rapids tree canopy. “Our community set a 40% tree canopy goal, and order to reach our goal, we need to be growing a healthy urban forest,” said Steve Faber, executive director of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. “Parks, like Riverside, are experiencing canopy loss due to Emerald Ash Borer, so grove plantings are key to maintaining our urban forest for generations to come.” 

Event details:

DATE: Saturday, October 13, 2012

TIME: Beginning at 10:30 AM

PLACE: Riverside Park on Monroe NE, parking lot north of the North Park Bridge

INTERVIEW OPPRTUNITIES: Donors, Youth Grant Committee volunteers, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks will be available for interview

October is the opportune time for planting trees and celebrating gifts made through estate plans. October is NeighborWoods Month—a national celebration of urban forests and trees. And October 15-19 is designated National Estate Planning Awareness Week.

To learn more, please contact Amanda St, Pierre, PR & marketing specialist at 616.454.1751 x132 or astpierre@grfoundation.org.