On November 7, 2009, The Mayor was joined by Ken DeFontes, President of Baltimore Gas and Electric, Councilwoman Councilman Bill Henry, Dr. Dwayne "Doc" Thomas, Acting Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks, and community members for the kick-off of the TreeBaltimore and Constellation Energy partnership to help grow Baltimore’s tree canopy. Constellation Energy has committed $300,000 over the next three years to increase the canopy through tree planting and maintenance of existing trees in neighborhoods and on school grounds.
"TreeBaltimore is a key component of the city’s sustainability plan, and is aimed at preserving and increasing our tree cover to create a greener, healthier and more vibrant city," said Mayor Dixon. "We believe that Baltimore has a green future, and it is our responsibility to work with each other to care for this city we love so much. Constellation’s support gives us a head-start on making Baltimore a greener city now and in the future."
At the morning event, which took place in DeWees Park, free trees were available for residents. The city offered residents a wide variety of native trees, including Red Oak, Red Bud, Red Maple or Willow Oak trees to plant on their property. Bike Baltimore helped with the delivery of trees to residents who had requested them, and also helped with the planting. Alongside community volunteers, Constellation Energy and BGE volunteers planted 60 trees in the park.
"At Recreation and Parks, part of our mission is to create and maintain urban green spaces. Baltimore’s trees are essential to healthy, vibrant communities," said Dr. Dwayne Thomas, Recreation and Parks’ Interim Director. "TreeBaltimore is excited to work with Constellation Energy and hopes their commitment will inspire others to get involved with the greening of Baltimore."
Constellation Energy’s contribution will support the planting of 1,000 trees in the city. Other organizations involved in the TreeBaltimore initiative include the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Herring Run and Jones Falls Watershed Associations and the Parks and People Foundation.
"We are pleased to partner with the city of Baltimore to support its Tree Baltimore initiative," said Mayo A. Shattuck III, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer for Constellation Energy. "This initiative aligns squarely with our overall support of Baltimore’s Cleaner Greener Initiative and our company’s commitment to being a responsible environmental steward. By planting trees to help enrich Baltimore’s urban tree canopy, we will all benefit from improved air and water quality, as well as increased shade that helps to reduce energy usage."
About TreeBaltimore:
TreeBaltimore is part of the Mayor’s Cleaner, Greener Baltimore Initiative. Our goal is to significantly grow Baltimore’s tree canopy by the year 2037. Many cities in the United States have seen a major reduction in trees and forest cover over the past several decades. TreeBaltimore is an investment in the City’s future. Trees planted in the right place save on energy costs, clean our air and water, provide shade in the summer and help lessen the impacts of global warming.
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