Tree planting, home repair targeted for Grandmont community

Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp. is targeting rehabilitation and greening resources in the Grandmont community, roughly bounded by the Southfield Freeway, Grand River, Longacre Street and Schoolcraft.

The agency is implementing a home repair program for low-income homewoners in the area and will plant a community garden at the site of the already-established and popular Farmers Market.

On March 28, the City of Detroit Forestry Division and the Greening of Detroit are teaming up to plant 50 trees in the area. The focus is on replacing ash trees that were removed due to borer infestation.

This planting is the first of the spring in Detroit, but many more are planned -- in fact, more than 1,000 trees will be planted this spring. The plantings are targeted in communities that have block clubs or community development organizations, as volunteers are needed the day the trees are planted and the trees need water their first two seasons.

The partnership between the City and Greening works thusly: The City provides funds for the plant materials and Greening, with its two decades of resources at the table, organizes the manpower.

To volunteer for the Grandmont planting or any other, contact Anthony Todd at 313 237 8733, ext. 239 or e-mail him at [email protected].

Sources: Todd Mistor, City of Detroit Forestry Division and Tom Goddeeris, GRDC
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh