How Many Trees Did Omaha Plant in 2017?

In an effort to enhance the city's environment, Omaha has launched a "One Million Trees" initiative aimed at planting one million trees in the city by 2030. This initiative is part of a larger plan to improve the city's air quality, reduce energy consumption, and provide numerous environmental benefits to the community. So, how many trees did Omaha plant in 2017?

The One Million Trees Initiative

The One Million Trees Initiative was launched in 2016, and the first year of planting began in 2017. The initiative is a collaboration between the City of Omaha, private businesses, and community-based organizations to plant trees throughout the city. The goal is to plant one million new trees in 10 years to improve air quality, reduce energy consumption, and provide other environmental benefits for the community.

Omaha's Tree Planting Efforts in 2017

In 2017, Omaha planted 12,000 trees as part of the One Million Trees Initiative. Tree varieties included bur oak, honey locust, hackberry, and other native species. As part of the initiative, the city also launched an online i-Tree analysis tool to measure the benefits of the urban forest, including air pollution removal, carbon storage, and other environmental services.

The Benefits of Tree Planting in Omaha

Tree planting in Omaha has numerous benefits for the environment, economy, and community. Trees help clean the air by removing harmful pollutants, and they also reduce energy consumption by providing shade and reducing the need for air conditioning. Trees also increase property values, enhance aesthetics, and provide habitat for wildlife.

In addition, trees play an important role in reducing the urban heat island effect. The urban heat island effect occurs when cities become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities such as transportation, industry, and energy production. Planting trees can help regulate temperature, mitigate the heat island effect, and improve the overall quality of life in the community.

Future Plans for Omaha's Tree Planting Efforts

Omaha plans to continue its One Million Trees Initiative by planting an additional 12,000 trees each year. The city is also developing a tree ordinance to ensure that trees are being planted and protected on both public and private property. In addition, the city plans to work with community organizations and local businesses to increase public education and outreach about the benefits of tree planting and the importance of sustainability.

In conclusion, Omaha planted 12,000 trees as part of its One Million Trees Initiative in 2017, and plans to continue planting an additional 12,000 trees each year to achieve its goal of planting one million trees in the city by 2030. This initiative demonstrates the city's commitment to improving the environment and enhancing quality of life for its citizens both now and in the future.