Dear Neighbors Thanks to the wonderful volunteer efforts of hundreds of Highland Park residents, we have 120 new street trees in our neighborhood and by the fall we hope to have 70 more. We have concentrated on the main streets of Highland Park. For the Spring of 2011, we would like to plant trees on our smaller side streets. If you are interested in a street tree(s) in front of your house, please fill out the attached form and email it back to this email address (if you have an electronic signature) or put it in the mail slot at 1232 N. Highland Ave. Note-application deadline for the Spring planting is August 20th. Since this tree planting will involve many blocks, we will need much help. We hope you will consider volunteering for one or more of the following: 1. Make your entire block beautiful by being a "block tree captain". This will largely involve asking your neighbors to sign a tree request form for their homes 2. Donate about 5 hours of your time for general organizing of this planting. 3. If you are a Highland Park Tree Tender and have not been involved with any of the previous plantings, please respond to this email to identify yourself. If you would like more information about these planting go to: http://www.paconserve.org/216 Remember that money does grow on Trees: -They increase your property values -They decrease your energy bills by shading your house in the summer and block cold winds in the winter -They decrease your taxes by helping to manage storm water Sincerely, The 2011 Spring Tree Planting Team -- JUST SAY NO TO CYPRESS MULCH Bald Cypress grows mainly southern swamps. It does not regenerate rapidly and is vital to the swamp ecosystem. It is a waste of a good and magnificent tree to grind it up and throw it on your garden. Also, it does not even make very good mulch. For more information and alternative mulches, go to: www.saveourcypress.org