The city of Eugene is showing that it deserves the title, "Tree City."
Mayor Kaarin Knudsen teamed up with Lane County Commissioner David Loveall to plant an additional tree in the city’s environment.
The event kicked off a day of planting in honor of Arbor Month in Oregon.
The mayor and commissioner joined in planting one of 30 trees that were put in place across downtown on Wednesday as part of an effort to enhance the city’s urban canopy.
The city indicates that these plantings will contribute to making Eugene a more appealing location for both locals and tourists, alongside additional advantages.
“It’s not merely something pleasant to observe on the streets," says Heidi Lakics from the Eugene Urban Forestry Program. "Trees help purify our air and manage stormwater runoff. They also motivate people to linger longer in commercial areas. Additionally, they contribute positively to mental well-being. There are numerous essential advantages provided by trees.”
The city was also considering where to plant these trees, opting for locations alongside bustling urban thoroughfares such as 18th Avenue and near a sizable parking lot on Pearl Street.
As the trees mature, they will assist in cooling the asphalt, thereby helping reduce the city’s overall temperature.
These 30 trees will increase the total count of trees planted this season to over 350.