Renew the Urban Forest
A community initiative of the Logan County Garden Club
Renew the Urban Forest is a community initiative of the Logan County Garden Club focused on supporting healthier trees and a stronger canopy across our neighborhoods and public spaces.
Why it matters
Trees are one of the best long-term investments a community can make. They provide shade and comfort during hot months, help manage stormwater, support wildlife, and make streets and gathering places more welcoming. Renewing the urban forest means caring for the trees we have—and planning wisely for the next generation.
What "renewal" can include
As this initiative takes shape, "renewal" may include practical steps such as:
- Learning where canopy gaps and aging trees are most pressing
- Identifying priority locations for planting (parks, gateways, neighborhoods, public grounds)
- Encouraging good stewardship practices (mulching, watering, pruning at the right time)
- Supporting young-tree care so new plantings survive and thrive
- Partnering with local leaders and organizations where priorities align
A starting point (and a promise to keep it real)
This project is currently in an exploration phase. We're using this page as a public placeholder while we gather input, identify partners, and develop a realistic plan for proposed work and community impact.
What we're doing next
Over the coming months, the Garden Club intends to:
- Gather community ideas and priority locations
- Learn what resources and partnerships already exist locally
- Outline a first-year action plan (starting with a manageable pilot effort)
- Share periodic updates as the project develops
What other communities have done (examples we're learning from)
Garden clubs in other towns have launched practical, community-friendly tree efforts—often starting small and building momentum:
A "mini-forest" pilot (Algonquin, Illinois): The Algonquin Garden Club established a Miyawaki mini-forest by planting 207 native trees and shrubs, using dense planting to encourage rapid establishment and long-term habitat value.
A phased Main Street canopy plan (Suffield, Connecticut): The Suffield Garden Club coordinated a 10-year phased planting plan for Historic Main Street and town greens—creating a roadmap for where, what, and when to plant instead of making one-off decisions.
A memorial tree program with the city (Dade City, Florida): The Dade City Garden Club reports a Memorial Tree Program co-sponsored with the city, with ~475 trees planted since 1994, bundling the tree + planting + plaque to make participation simple.
These examples share a common theme: a clear purpose, a doable first step, and a plan for long-term care (because planting is the exciting part; watering in July is the character-building part).
Interested in learning more?
If you are interested in learning more or being a part of the work, please contact us by email at logancountygardenclub@gmail.com
FAQ
Is Renew the Urban Forest a city or county government project?
No. Renew the Urban Forest is an initiative of the Logan County Garden Club. As the project develops, the Garden Club may coordinate with local government and community partners where goals and responsibilities align.
How will project priorities and planting locations be identified?
Initial priorities will be informed by community input and a review of local conditions and constraints. Potential locations will be evaluated for feasibility and long-term success, including factors such as site safety, available space, underground utilities, visibility, and the ability to support young-tree establishment and care.
Is the focus on planting new trees or maintaining existing trees?
Both. Renewal includes supporting the health of existing trees while planning and implementing strategic planting for future canopy needs. Long-term success depends not only on planting, but also on appropriate follow-up care and maintenance practices.