The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Jonah Center creates Replace Our Trees fundraiser
Sustainable CT to match donations dollar for dollar
MIDDLETOWN — The Jonah Center for Earth and Art has begun a Replace Our Trees crowdfunding campaign on Ioby.
Executive Director John Hall is hoping donations will allow him to plant more trees. “In the course of our campaign to increase Middletown’s treeplanting budget, some people told us they would like to donate their own money to plant trees. That’s commitment,” he said.
He also pointed to Sustainable CT’s program to match dollar for dollar any community generated funds raised for qualified projects through the In Our Back Yards crowdfunding service. For example, a $20 gift will instantly become a $40 gift.
Sites for new trees in Middletown and Portland are being considered. In Middletown, priority will be given to the North End, where the tree canopy is even sparser than in other parts of the city, and to high-visibility commercial corridors, Hall said.
In Portland, priority will be given to areas in the town’s central residential and commercial area, where trees were removed for sidewalk replacement or due to disease. Funds will be allocated between the towns based on the residence of donors.
“The rate of tree loss in Middletown and Portland in recent years is alarming and sad. Even if we begin replanting now, it will take years to restore our declining urban forest. If we delay action, the situation may become extremely difficult to overcome,” Hall said.
“We are passionate about trees and we know that many of our friends and neighbors are passionate, too. The beauty, shade, majesty, and long lifespan of trees are inspiring, comforting, and hope-giving. What better legacy can any of us leave behind on this earth than to plant a tree. Let’s plant lots of them,” he added.
Visit bit.ly/3d3ROJT to make a gift. One-hundred percent of all donations will be used for trees, not administration costs.