What is GreenLinks?
Founded in 2003, the GreenLinks program seeks to improve the community greenspaces and urban forest of the Nine Mile Run watershed.
Since its inception, GreenLinks has added nearly 900 trees to the watershed, which are actively managing thousands of gallons of stormwater runoff each year. NMRWA also advocates for the proactive maintenance of established street trees through innovative sidewalk solutions, and has overseen the installation of numerous demonstration projects, including rain gardens and permeable paving.
Community trees provide so many benefits to the residents. Trees clean our air, create oxygen, and beautify our environment. They are particularly important in cities, where there is often little green space. They create a noise barrier, making our streets quieter. They cool the air and ground around them, and they absorb rainwater and cleanse stormwater of toxins. From the enormous Sycamore to the shrub-like Silky Dogwood, many species of native trees do well in the city.
Taking care of street trees is everyone’s responsibility. Trees need care, especially during their establishment period, often the first two to three years after planting. You can water them, especially during dry periods, check them for disease and insects, and, perhaps most importantly, keep people from damaging them. If you are interested in becoming more involved in caring for the trees of the watershed, consider becoming a Watershed Tree Tender or joining your municipality’s Shade Tree Committee.