We are losing trees and open space at a dramatic rate. According to the latest study of Mecklenburg County just completed by American Forests, Inc., between 1985 and 2008 we lost 33% of tree canopy, 2.8% of our open space, and increased our urban/impervious area (roads, parking lots, buildings) by 60%. Lost air quality benefits resulting from this land cover change is $8,771,658.00 annually. Lost greenhouse gas stored in trees is 192 million tons. Lost greenhouse gas removal per year is 1.5 million tons. Increased costs to manage stormwater resulting from this change is $503,578,789.00.

The loss of natural area and trees coupled with large increases in impervious surfaces amounts to unsustainable growth and our environment will continue to degrade if we do not act.

Thanks to our fantastic volunteers Creek ReLeaf 2017 was a great success!  Over 400 volunteers joined together and planted 1,500 trees along Briar Creek.  We were fortunate to again have college students, scouts, corporate employees, church groups, environmental clubs, and families planting our new seedlings.

Watch our 2017 Creek ReLeaf video here: (or for a high resolution version, click here.)

This area has been transformed into what will become a great wildlife habitat after older apartment buildings and homes in the floodplain were acquired by the county and torn down and stormwater detention ponds were created to filter runoff before it is released into Briar Creek.  The 1,500 new trees will provide enhanced protection for the creek as they grow into a native forest which will further filter and slow stormwater runoff and absorb pollutants.  The new forest will also improve air quality and become a natural habitat for wildlife.

Funding for the 2017 Creek ReLeaf event was provided by generous gifts from 3M Corporation, the Blumenthal Foundation, the Sierra Club, Mecklenburg County Soil & Water Conservation, the Charlotte Public Tree Fund, Inc., Mecklenburg County Stormwater Services and Charlotte.  Food was supplied by Arby’s and coffee and hot chocolate by CupLux. Tools were provided by Charlotte Community Toolbank and Trees Charlotte. Gloves were provided as volunteer gifts by Tree Fund board members Ron Shearin and Dexter Snead, and gift trees were provided by Bill Scullin and Brettyn Race.

Sustain Charlotte hosted the 3rd Annual Community Sustainability Awards + Earth Day Celebration and it was such an inspiring evening!

In the photo Rick Roti, Debra Glennon, + Ron Shearin of the Charlotte Public Tree Fund accept the 2014 Water award. Diana Daniels presenting on behalf of 2013 winner Rick Gaskins of Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.

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