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Plant a million trees throughout Salt Lake County during the next ten years!
What a simple, yet terrific idea being touted by County Mayor Peter Corroon and supported by virtually all of the municipalities in the county along with some key private and public partners.
Ambitious? Yes! It means some 275 trees will have to be planted every day of every year for the next decade. Obviously, that's a lot of plantings. But it is doable, especially with the plan the county mayor has put forth.
Neighborhoods are encouraged to organize tree plantings. So are families, community centers and businesses. Expect to see a few Boy Scout service projects aimed at planting trees. There are lots of ways to do it.
The benefits are plentiful. Cleaner air! More shade! Cooler streets and homes! Trees help conserve energy, they slow water evaporation and can prevent water pollution. In one year, an acre of trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.
Trees already dot the county's landscape . . . a far cry from descriptions of this arid valley given by those who pioneered here. We've come a long way in 160 years, and adding a million more trees will only enhance our quality of life.
So, join the cause. Go plant a tree!
