Tree Trust volunteer wins award

Giampaolo Malin was selected as a HandsOn Twin Cities "Be the Change" award winner for his enviromental work in 2010. Because Giampaolo was selected for this award, Tree Trust recieved a $250 donation in his honor. Governor Mark Dayton presented the award to Giampaolo at the Mall of America on Saturday, Feb. 19. Governor Dayton recognized four exemplary volunteers by presenting HandsOn Twin Cities' Be the Change Awards, which honor individuals who have dedicated themselves to bettering their communities.

In 2010 and 2009, Giampaolo gave more of his time to Tree Trust than any other volunteer. He volunteered at nearly every Community Forestry event in 2010, from serving as a Tree Trainer at plantings to attending Weeding Wednesdays. He has an inspiring commitment to the environment and to an overall ethic of civic responsibility, and we at Tree Trust are so grateful for his hard work and dedication.

Read more about Giampaolo.

Tree Trust open house a success

On Thursday, February 24, 2011, Tree Trust held an open house at its new facility in St. Louis Park. The well-attended event gave stakeholders an opportunity to tour the new offices, training room, computer lab and warehouse, and meet Tree Trust staff and board members.

While enjoying the food and drinks, attendees were treated to a slideshow that celebrated Tree Trust’s impact on the Twin Cities over the past 35 years. Rolf Svendsen, board chair and co-founder of Tree Trust, and Susan Gethin, chief executive officer, gave attendees a look into what the future holds for Tree Trust. “We wouldn’t have made it this far if it hadn’t been for our many partners, and we are excited about what we’ll do together in the future.”

Thanks to everyone who attended and made the night a success!

2011 Tree Sales

Once again this year, Tree Trust is partnering with both the city of St. Louis Park and the city of Minneapolis to provide low-cost trees to their residents. These programs have been very well received in the past and have added over 6,000 trees to the urban forest between the two cities over the past six years. These programs are a fabulous way for cities to increase their canopy cover without increasing their maintenance costs as trees for both programs must be planted on private property.

St. Louis Park Tree Sale
• Ordering began February 22. This tree sale is now SOLD OUT.
• All trees will be containerized stock, approximately six to eight feet tall and one inch in trunk diameter.
• Limit of three trees per St. Louis Park address.
• Pick up date is May 7 from 8 a.m. until noon.
The following trees are available at the St. Louis Park Tree Sale for $35 each
•Ironwood - SOLD OUT
•Japanese Tree Lilac - SOLD OUT
•Prairifire Crabapple - SOLD OUT
•Northern Hackberry - SOLD OUT
•Austrian Pine - SOLD OUT
•Northern Red Oak - SOLD OUT
•Frontyard Linden - SOLD OUT

Minneapolis Tree Sale also known as the City Trees Program
• Ordering starts on Monday, March 14, at http://treetrust.org/order.  This tree sale is now SOLD OUT.
• This program is limited to one tree per Minneapolis address.
• New to the program this year is the ability for business owners and nonprofits to participate along with residents.
• The pickup dates for this program are May 21-23 at the City of Minneapolis Impound Lot.
The following trees are available at the Minneapolis Tree Sale for $25 each
•Maple 'Sienna Glen' - SOLD OUT
•Oak 'Regal Prince' - SOLD OUT
•Kentucky Coffeetree - SOLD OUT
•Serviceberry 'Autumn Brilliance' - SOLD OUT
•Redbud (MN Strain) - SOLD OUT
•Apple 'Honeycrisp' - SOLD OUT
•Blue Beech - SOLD OUT
•Juniper 'Welchii'

For both programs, you will forfeit your tree and the money you paid for it, should you not be able to pick up your trees on the dates specified. You can certainly make arrangements for someone else to pick up your tree, should you be unavailable.

Trees are good. They clean our air, mitigate stormwater runoff, provide habitat for wildlife and even increase property values. Mark your calendar and be sure to order a tree this spring!

Trees are available on a first come first served basis and quantities are limited.

For questions, please contact Karen Zumach, Community Forestry Manager at 612.590.2536.