DEM’s
energy-saving trees program launches today
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
(DEM) is teaming up with the Arbor Day Foundation to give away 1,000 trees as
part of the State's Energy-Saving Trees Program.
Now in its eighth season, the
program helps Rhode Islanders save energy and lower their utility bills by
strategically planting trees on their property.
"We're pleased to join with the Arbor Day Foundation
again this spring to offer free trees to Rhode Islanders," said DEM
Director Janet Coit.
"Planting a tree in the right place can improve air
quality, sequester carbon, and help manage stormwater runoff. It's a terrific
way for residents to reduce their energy costs today and in the years to come,
and a tangible way to stand up to climate change. Most trees are spoken for
within days of registration opening, so be sure to register early!"
The Rhode
Island Tree Council will provide planting and care instruction to homeowners –
as well as guidance on how to maximize energy-savings. When planted properly, a
single mature tree can save $30 annually in heating and cooling costs.
Registration opens on Monday, April 8, and is required to
reserve a tree. Recipients must be Rhode Island residents. Supplies go fast, so
early registration is recommended. For more information and/or to register for
the program, visit www.arborday.org/RIDEM.
Trees can be picked up during one of the following pick-up
events:
Saturday, April 27 (9 AM – 12 PM) Blackstone Valley
Visitor Center, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket
Saturday, May 4 (9 AM – 12 PM) Westerly Public
Library/Wilcox Park, 44 Broad Street, Westerly
Saturday, May 11 (9 AM – 12 PM) Woonsocket Public Library,
303 Clinton Street, Woonsocket
Saturday, May 18 (9 AM – 12 PM) RI Tree Council
Headquarters, 2953 Hartford Avenue, Johnston
For questions about the Energy-Saving Trees Program,
contact Caroline Scanlan, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator in
DEM's Division of Forest Environment, at 222-2445, ext. 2056, or email her at
Caroline.scanlan@dem.ri.gov.
For more information on DEM's programs and divisions,
visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or via Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM).
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