Do you know how many trees you pass each day on your way to work? Actually, it is easy to drive by a tree in your daily commute and never give it a second thought. In case you haven’t noticed, Viva Cuba is proud of our tree lined streets and their benefits. For the most part, a tree improves the visual appeal of neighborhoods, remove air pollutants, and provides a habitat for wildlife. In fact, trees are a part of a bigger plan to keep our town beautiful and sustainable for decades to come.
Our city trees serve the public in ways you may not think about. Viva Cuba plants trees to provide comfort, protection, and guidance along city streets. By the same token, healthy trees in our community are a sustainable asset and here’s why:
Provide shade.
The midwest sun is unforgiving and any shade is a welcome retreat. For this reason, trees can reduce temperatures of streets and sidewalks by as much as 10 degrees. Tree shaded streets are noticeably cooler in the summer and provide protection to sidewalks, business store fronts, and even roadways.
Reduce erosion.
Undoubtably, a Missouri rainstorm can generate some major precipitation. However, a tree can absorb a lot of the moisture through its leaves to allow evaporation later. The rain that makes it to the ground under the tree goes into the root structure. The extra water held by the trees reduces runoff and helps manage water flow into the storm management system.
Improve air quality.
Everyday trees remove pollution from the atmosphere. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, one acre of trees can remove 13 tons of dust and gases from the air each year. As a result, trees help clean the air we breathe continuously.
As a stop over for many Route 66 travelers, Cuba’s tree lined streets add to the charm and character of our mural city. But without the volunteers of Viva Cuba, the streets in Cuba would look very different. Through hours of hard work and dedication, Cuba is a TREE CITY recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation. With the prestigious title, comes the responsibility to maintain and provide care for trees in our community for years to come.
Viva Cuba’s Tree Plan
Viva Cuba members Peggy Holland and Jill Barnett with Tim Fevert, landscape architect.
In 2019, Viva Cuba earned a matching TRIM grant as part of a program created by the Tree Resource and Maintenance (TRIM) from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). In partnership with the Missouri Community Forest Council, funds provide nonprofit groups help with the management, improvement, or conservation of trees on public lands.
Made possible by the TRIM program, Tim Frevert, a landscape architect, met with Viva Cuba volunteers, Jill Barnett and Peggy Holland for a tour and tree plan discussion. Moving forward, the landscape plan will provide guidance for sustainable and responsible management for our tree lined streets. Collectively, this two year tree-scape project will see up to 90 new trees along north Highway 19, from Main Street to Eldon Street.
The tree-scape project is organized into three phases:
Phase One:
With the help of the 2019 TRIM grant, the cost-share funds were used for the first phase of the tree-scape project and 38 trees were planted along Highway 19 north in early December. In addition, diseased trees, as well as invasive plants and bushes, were identified and removed.
Phase Two:
To continue the momentum, Viva Cuba has another application in progress for a 2020 TRIM grant. If awarded, the grant provides resources and funding for additional trees to plant later this fall.
Phase Three:
In the final phase of the project, private funding will be used for a series of trees to commemorate local families, friends, and loved ones. Upon completion, the project will improve the environment for residents and visitors who visit Cuba for many years to come.
TRIM Chairperson and longtime Viva Cuba volunteer, Jill Barnett states, “We want to continue to create beautiful tree lined streets that everyone can enjoy. Ultimately, our approach to sustainable tree management provides future generations with the benefits of a community forest.”
Most importantly, every dollar spent to plant a tree in the community yields benefits up to five times the original investment. In return, residents receive the benefits of lower energy costs, erosion control, and cleaner air.
Viva Cuba works diligently to secure funds through grants. However, we also rely heavily on community contributions and donations to support our ongoing projects. Would you like to help? Contact Viva Cuba or Donate Now.
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