In 2021, a massive tree-planting program has been launched as part of the Ecology Action Center’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Over the next decade, we plan to plant at least 100,000 new trees in McLean County.
Why trees?
- Trees help improve air quality. Our community is close to exceeding National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, an air quality pollutant that contributes to asthma and other respiratory diseases.
- Trees are one of the most cost-effective strategies for carbon sequestration.
- Trees help provide watershed protection, increase wildlife habitat, and offer opportunities for recreation areas, as demonstrated by the McLean County Greenways Plan.
- Back in the early days of the Ecology Action Center in the 1970’s and 1980’s, when the organization was known as Operation Recycle, profits from recycling drives were utilized for tree planting efforts including helping to plant at Comlara Park on Evergreen Lake.
How?
- Building upon existing partnerships as well as creating new partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, faith-based organizations, and governmental entities, the Ecology Action Center will seek out opportunities and funding to increase tree plantings significantly in our community.
- Volunteer groups will be recruited to facilitate plantings through volunteer workdays.
- Donations to the EAC’s new Tree Corps Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
- Opportunities for tree planting donations will be offered year-round, for birthdays, memorials, holiday gifts, and other occasions.
- Donate to the Tree Corps!