Read more about the article Akron Tree Commission December 2023 Meeting Recap and End-of-Year Reflections
photos by Sophie Vaughan
Urban Tree Canopy

Akron Tree Commission December 2023 Meeting Recap and End-of-Year Reflections

Words by Sophie Vaughan

The City of Akron Tree Commission had a busy year. At the December 2023 Tree Commission meeting, the members looked back at their goals for 2023 and began to make plans for 2024. They also met the winner of their logo contest, Jesse Wamsley. Finally, they heard from City of Akron Parks Maintenance Foreman John Hilkert about some homeowner reactions to tree plantings that occurred and were neither requested nor desired.

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December 29, 2023
Read more about the article Akron Tree Commission September – November 2023 Meetings Recap
Words and photos by Sophie Vaughan
Urban Tree Canopy

Akron Tree Commission September – November 2023 Meetings Recap

Words by Sophie Vaughan

The September 2023 City of Akron Tree Commission meeting set another record for their shortest meeting on the books, clocking in at just over 6 minutes long. This meeting consisted of quick updates regarding the public education strategy. The October meeting was more informative and provided updates finalizing public education materials, as well as news about two grants: one grant awarded to the City in the amount of $1 million to develop a nursery and Urban Forestry Academy on Theiss Road, and a proposed $300,000 grant to be used for 2024 tree plantings. The November meeting included an appearance by the City of Akron Arborist Jon Malish, who updated the commission on Tree City application status, grants received, and upcoming grant requests. 

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December 13, 2023
Read more about the article What Is Akron’s Urban Tree Canopy, and How Does it Grow?
Urban Tree Canopy

What Is Akron’s Urban Tree Canopy, and How Does it Grow?

An Introduction to Plans and Progress

Words by Sophie Vaughan

The Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) in Akron, Ohio became an area of focus for the greater Akron community in November of 2013, when Plan-It Geo was commissioned to perform “An Assessment of Urban Tree Canopy in Akron, Ohio” for the City of Akron, Akron Engineering Bureau, Akron Parks Maintenance Division, and GreenPrint Akron. Funding for the study was provided by the USDA Forest Service through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Project Clean Lake grant. This project presented data on the extent of Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) across the City of Akron, provided analysis of Possible Planting Areas (PPA) and areas unsuitable for planting, detailed the ecosystem services provided by Akron’s UTC, and recommended objectives and goals for support and facilitation of future tree planting and canopy preservation.

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November 16, 2023