CFC Properties Provides Funding to Plant New Trees Downtown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2014

For more information, please contact:
Mick Renneisen, Administrator, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, 812.349.3700 or [renneism@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:renneism@bloomington.in.gov]

Jim Murphy, President, CFC Properties, 812.332.0053 or [Jim.Murphy@cfcproperties.com|mailto:Jim.Murphy@cfcproperties.com]

Bloomington, Ind.-CFC Properties continues to enhance the look and feel of Bloomington's downtown by making a donation to the Bloomington Parks Foundation's Tree Fund to purchase six new trees for planting in the downtown area.

A $1,500 donation by CFC Properties is funding the purchase of 3" caliper (thickness of the trunk) trees. The trees will range in height from 15 to 18 feet, and are specially chosen to fit well, and to thrive, in the spaces that are available for new trees along College Avenue, Seventh Street, and North Walnut Street. The new trees are scheduled to be planted as soon as infrastructure improvements are complete, and weather conditions permit.

"We have the scientific data, specifically from a study by Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs, that proves the economic value of trees along city streets," said Mick Renneisen, Director of the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. "Trees do a lot of good things, like removing greenhouse gases and reducing energy consumption by providing shade. But we also know that the presence of healthy and attractive trees has a lot to do with the appeal of Bloomington's downtown."

Karin St. John, executive director of the Bloomington Parks Foundation, echoed Renneisen's comments, and added, "CFC continues to be a generous supporter of the Tree Fund and, like many caring and committed community members, CFC understands the importance of trees and the value they add in making Bloomington a great place to live and do business. The Bloomington Parks Foundation is grateful to CFC as an exemplary partner in the Tree Fund."

Jim Murphy, President of CFC Properties, said, ""Trees enhance the environment in a number of ways wherever they stand. This is particularly true in an urban setting such as downtown Bloomington. Trees add visually to the streetscape and buffer noise as well. We have planted some 1,800 trees in Bloomington over the years and are happy to continue that tradition and partner with the Bloomington Parks and Recreation through the Bloomington Parks Foundation."

Species slated for the planting vary. The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department's urban forestry staff will plant three American lindens, two Shumard oaks, and an Armstrong maple in areas where new 5' x 5' tree grates were recently installed by the street department.

Gifts can be made in any amount to the Bloomington Tree Fund. Additionally, honorary and memorial donations may be made to the Bloomington Tree Fund, or trees may be purchased for planting in one of Bloomington's city parks. For more information about the Bloomington Tree Fund, or to make a donation, visit [bloomingtonparksfoundation.org|http://bloomingtonparksfoundation.org/] or call 812.349.3700.

###

About the Bloomington Tree Fund
Gifts to the Bloomington Parks Foundation's Bloomington Tree Fund support the Urban Forestry Program of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, which provides trees and landscaping amenities throughout the city's parks and public properties, including street trees. In addition to funding the planting of new trees, the Bloomington Tree Fund is also used to protect and care for mature trees. The Bloomington Tree Fund supports annual Arbor Day celebrations, MCCSC Tree Fest, volunteer tree plantings on public property, and urban forestry education. Gifts can be made in any amount to the Bloomington Tree Fund. Additionally, you can remember a loved one or honor an individual with a donation to the Bloomington Tree Fund, or with the purchase of a tree, to be planted in one of Bloomington's city parks. For more information about the Bloomington Tree Fund, or to make a donation, visit [bloomingtonparksfoundation.org|http://bloomingtonparksfoundation.org/] or call 812.349.3700.

About Bloomington Parks and Recreation's Urban Forestry Program
The Urban Forestry area plants trees on public land, removes hazardous trees from city parks and streets, and manages a complete inventory of trees in parks and on city streets. The city's urban forester is also responsible for applying for and maintaining the city's status as a Tree City USA. For more information about Urban Forestry, visit [bloomington.in.gov/treecare.|http://bloomington.in.gov/treecare]