Urban Forestry Urban

• Bloomington Parks and Recreation staff planted a total of 588 trees on public property. Following months of research, planning and preparation, 304 locations in four different project areas in Bloomington were identified to provide a more equitable urban canopy for all residents. A total of 265 trees were planted through the Bicentennial Bond intended for trees and trails.

• 115 trees were planted as part of the Lower Cascades Park streambank stabilization project.

• 128 trees were planted by the Department’s urban forestry crews.

• Pruned a total of 387 publicly owned trees (28 in city parks and 359 along city streets).

• A total of 72 ash trees received treatments for protection from the emerald ash borer—the eighth consecutive year of treatment. Of those trees receiving treatments, three were in city parks and 69 were along city streets.

• Bloomington was named Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation for the second consecutive year, and received both Tree City USA designation and a Tree City USA Growth Award.

Greenspace (formerly Landscaping)

• “Landscaping” program area re-named “Urban Greenspace” to more accurately reflect Department goals; City Landscaper position re-named Urban Greenspace Manager.

• Contracted with Eco Logic to install native plantings and control invasive species at Miller-Showers Park, and monitor wetland vegetation at Switchyard Park.

• Planted 6,200 bare root, native trees at the Goat Farm, Park Ridge East, Southeast, and Schmalz Farm Parks.

• Contracted with Green Dragon Lawn Care for mowing and trimming services at 36 park locations.

• Urban greenspace crews planted 3,920 native plants and grasses at multiple locations, including parks, medians, and other city-owned greenspaces.

• Partnered with Monroe County-Identify and Reduce Invasive Species (MC-IRIS) to host 178 “Weed Wrangles” invasive species removal volunteer programs at 26 different locations.

• Diverted 360 cubic yards of green waste from landfills to a city-owned green yard waste composting site.

• Urban greenspace crews removed eight planters from 7th and Morton Streets and repositioned them along 6th and 7th Streets near the intersection with the B-Line Trail.