On Saturday, April 19, community volunteers will gather to plant more than 100 trees in one Valparaiso subdivision. In celebration of Arbor Day, the Shade Brigade, an initiative of the City’s Department of Public Works, will host their largest tree planting project to date.
This event will bring together local residents with volunteers from the NIPSCO Environmental Action Team (NEAT), Boys and Girls Club of Porter County and Indiana Tree Stewards.
The trees for this event have been funded through the Trees In Our Town: Key To Our Health federal grant initiative. “We knew a project this big was ambitious,” stated Ann Brugos, Shade Brigade coordinator. “Without NEAT’s help, we would have had a difficult time completing the project in one day. When they stepped up, it really came together.” The event is one of a number of tree-planting and educational events the utility supports each year. The goal of these events is to demonstrate to local citizens the importance of trees and planting in the right place.
About the Shade Brigade
Shade Brigade of Valparaiso is dedicated to promoting, planting and preserving trees in the city of Valparaiso. To get involved with future Shade Brigade projects, like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shadebrigade
About the NIPSCO Environmental Action Team (NEAT)
NEAT was formed by NIPSCO employees with a mission to provide environmental education and assistance with restoration efforts in our communities. To learn more about NIPSCO and the importance of planting the right tree in the right place, visit www.NIPSCO.com/Trees.
WHEN: Saturday, April 19, 2014, 9 am – noon CT (planting starts at 9 am CT)
WHERE: Essex Park subdivision, Valparaiso
(Meet at the gazebo across from 1674 Danvers Parkway)
OPPORTUNITIES:
Photo/video/interview opportunities of tree planting events; interviews with Valparaiso, NIPSCO representatives
CONTACT:
Kathleen Szot, NIPSCO External Communications, 219-314-3801