The city of Las Vegas is hosting several tree planting events throughout October as part of the city’s Urban Forestry Initiative.  

Mayor Oscar B. Goodman and Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese recently kicked off the series of events at a tree planting at City Hall. Matt Koepnick, with the Nevada Division of Forestry, was also on hand to talk about the benefits of trees and the city’s commitment to the tree programs such as Tree City USA. The city of Las Vegas has been named as a Tree City USA for the last 16 years.

The Urban Forestry Initiative is designed to contribute to the city’s long-term sustainability. Trees clean the air, improve stormwater management, conserve energy, reduce the urban heat index and increase property values. Trees also add ambiance and beauty to the community, and invite more street-level activities such as dining, shopping, walking and cycling. The proper types of trees also are perfect for our dessert climate and don’t use high amounts of water.

One of the initiative’s goals is to double the average tree canopy coverage from nine percent to 18 percent by 2035. The U.S. Forest Service awarded the city a $38,000 grant to inventory the trees on city-owned property, and the Southern Nevada Water Authority contributed a $10,000 grant. Star Nursery is donating the trees for the planting events.

The remaining events are planned for the following dates and times:

• Friday, Oct. 17, 3:45p.m., at All American Park, 1551 S. Buffalo Drive
• Tuesday, Oct 21, 3:30 p.m., at Mountain Ridge Park, 7151 Oso Blanca Road
• Wednesday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m., at Doc Romeo Park, 7400 Peak Drive
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m., at Firefighters Memorial Park, 6401 W. Oakey Blvd.

For more information about the city’s Sustainability and Urban Forestry Initiatives, visit www.lasvegasnevada.gov/sustaininglasvegas.