NIPSCO's 2020 Impact Report through the utility's
involvement in the Energy Saving Trees program.
(EAB Recovery, Stormwater Retention, etc); provide a
sketch of their planting plan; and sign their agreement
to call 811 to check for underground conflicts and to
commit to two years of consistent watering after instal-
lation. Many times, the partners of CommuniTree, such
as Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO)
and Student Conservation Association (SCA), are able
to offer assistance with these last two requirements.
Since its start in 2016, CommuniTree has grown in
unexpected ways. The primary focus of this group
has been and will always be tree planting and care.
However, its diverse group of partners has created
numerous education and engagement activities. A
twice yearly education session on proper tree planting
for the communities receiving trees has now grown into
separate workshops on tree inventory/GIS systems,
tree ordinance/grant writing, and proper pruning.
Partnerships with local industries and utilities have led
to specialized safety sessions, 811/underground utility
seminars, and proper tree selection/planting under
power lines guidance. CommuniTree also served as the
platform for the SCA to engage in their first urban for-
estry project. That partnership has resulted in seasonal
paying work and skills development for area youth.
The connections created through tree planting
extend far beyond the environmental/ecological
benefits that everyone in tree business knows by
heart. The social outcomes have been staggering.
Improved public spaces and engaging local volun-
teers/youth workers has instilled heightened a sense
of community and ownership. The recognized pos-
itive effects of these programs by locals are key to
CommuniTree's future success (Vogt, 2018). >>
urban-forestry.com 27
