For more than three decades, Provo has been known, colloquially, as tree city U.S.A.

Whether the shady East Center Street, along University Avenue or the numerous parks and play areas throughout the city, Provo has prided itself in the urban forestry it has provided to residents.

Perhaps one of the most famous trees in the area sits on the south side of the Utah County Building. The famous Banyan Tree, now held up by iron posts, is a tribute to the love the community has for its trees.

Now, future generations will, hopefully, have more shade and better air — which is precisely the goal of Provo City’s Thousand Trees initiative, a community-wide effort to foster a healthy urban forest.

Provo City is joined by the Ivory Foundation and The Nature Conservancy, both of which have donated $10,000 to provide 80 new trees to the community, towards the goal of 1,000 trees.

“Planting a tree is a commitment to your community, knowing it is likely your children and their children who will truly appreciate the gift,” Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said. “Without community support now — from sponsors and volunteers — we wouldn’t be able to literally grow our community’s sustainability and make this valuable investment in our future.”

The Thousand Trees Initiative Launch and Planting Event will start with a short program from 8:30-9 a.m. Saturday at Pioneer Park. The launch event will include a ceremonial tree planting. After the program, more than 150 volunteers will continue planting 20 more trees at the old KOA campground off Geneva Road, Lakeview Park and Fort Utah Park, all in the same general location.

“We’re thrilled to be supporting planting hundreds of trees in Provo as part our own 30,000 tree initiative,” said Clark Ivory, CEO of Ivory Homes. “Trees make such a significant impact on our environment and air quality, and truly creates a sense of community.”

Ivory, along with his wife Christine, proclaim that their foundation helps create opportunities for individuals by improving access to education, creating affordable housing and building sustainable communities.

“Trees are a nature-based solution to urban heat challenges,” said Dave Livermore, state director for TNC in Utah. “Tree plantings are happening across the country and world. Why? Because nature plays an important role in our quality of life — from cooling temperatures and cleaning the air to offering a place of respite.”

Hannah Salzl, sustainability coordinator for Provo City and organizer of the initiative, added that trees contribute so much to the physical and psychological wellbeing of a community in addition to their environmental benefits.

“We’ve seen such enthusiastic collaboration from local organizations to raise funds and spread awareness and also from the many volunteers who were so quick to get involved,” Salzl said. “It shows how committed we all are to working together to build a healthy, beautiful future.”

Salzl highlights the Thousand Trees initiative as an example of Provo’s ongoing sustainability efforts, as well as future plans.

“It’s a great way to put into practice the principles we stand for in Provo, which will soon be compiled into what will be the first sustainability plan from any city in Utah County,” she said.

Achieving the goal of 1,000 trees is indicative of Kaufusi’s confidence in Provo’s community spirit.

“Both the Ivory Foundation and The Nature Conservancy have continually shown their commitment to our community and environment,” Kaufusi said.

More information about urban trees and the Thousand Trees initiative can be found at http://provo.org/departments/development-services/sustainability/thousand-treesinitiative.

Ivory Homes and the Ivory Foundation environmental efforts include forming a partnership with TreeUtah and UCAIR in 2018, creating Ivory Green with an ambitious goal to plant 30,000 trees in old and new communities, public parks, and neighborhoods throughout Utah.

To date, more than 12,000 have been planted. These additional trees will improve air quality, reduce carbon dioxide output, lower air temperatures, enhance water quality and provide beauty, shelter and natural habitat, according to a statement from TNC.

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