Mobile Tree Watering Trailer Fundraiser
CEZ seeks funds for mobile watering trailer
Investing in more efficient watering equipment — which can be shared with community partners — is crucial for long-term care and survival of new trees in the Zone.
Now in its second year, the 100 Trees Initiative is off to a challenging start as we work to find a better and more efficient way to water and care for 60 new trees planted this spring and the almost 100 trees planted on public boulevards last fall in the Zone.
What challenges do we face?
Lack of access to resources — water and people power — on commercial properties in a mixed-use industrial corridor
Poor soil conditions on public boulevards
Above-average heat index or "heat island" due to lack of trees
Increasingly drought-prone summers
Need for a consistent, empowered and equipped volunteer-led watering "brigade"
The success of the trees and the 100 Trees Initiative is dependent on community investment in new tools and equipment that make the urgent and crucial task of watering the trees less arduous, more effective and can be shared with similarly tree-focused partners.
We need to move beyond buckets and strong backs and your help is needed!
The Mobile Tree Watering Project
Considered phase 2 of the 100 Trees Initiative, the Mobile Tree Watering Project is focused specifically on developing a volunteer-driven watering system that utilizes a 600-gallon water tank trailer (pictured above, item #999889 from Northern Tool) and equipment (pump, hose/nozzle and gator bags) to make watering trees in our communities easier, more consistent and more effective. Total project cost is $7,400-$9,800.
Community investment in a mobile tree watering system will:
Provide the crucial care needed to ensure the survival of the new trees in their harsh soil and hot, drought-prone conditions.
Create a shared community asset that can be made available to adjacent neighborhood organizations that need an efficient watering tool.
Provide an immediate and independent hands-on response to climate change.
Build capacity and support for other grassroots greening projects and initiatives.
Expand the urban tree canopy for better community health and wellness.
Donate now and double your gift!
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous Saint Anthony Park resident, donations made to the Mobile Tree Watering Project by July 20th will be matched up to $3,000!
To make a tax-deductible donation online, use the PayPal donation link on the CEZ's 100 Trees Initiative page at creativeenterprisezone.org/100-trees-initiative. Just earmark your donation to the "Mobile Watering Project" under the "additional information" prompt.
To make a tax-deductible donation by check (and save on transaction fees) contact Angela Casselton at director@creativeenterprisezone.org or 612.205.7915
or send check by mail to:
The Mobile Tree Watering Project
Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ)
PO Box 14252 / 2171 University Ave W.
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Volunteer time and resources
Don't sit this one out! Volunteer personal or corporate time, expertise, and/or resources to make this greening initiative a success.
Volunteer roles and commitments include but are not limited to:
Trucks (and drivers) with towing capacity of up to 6,200 lbs — Ford F-150s or similar — to haul the full water trailer to nearby tree locations (no highways) from CEZ's building at University & Vandalia.
Licensed drivers to pick up/return U-Haul rental trucks from the Como Ave. location, as needed.
Crew members to help fill water tank, fill gator bags and water trees!
Crew coordinators to help recruit volunteers and determine watering schedules.
Crew leads to oversee volunteer training, tree-watering efforts and equipment maintenance/storage.
To learn more about the project and Tree Care Team, attend one of two one-hour outdoor info sessions to be held in the CEZ's building parking lot at 2171 University Ave W. in Saint Paul:
Thursday, July 21 @ 4:30 p.m. RSVP here.
Saturday, July 23 @ 9:00 a.m. RSVP here.
Bring your love of trees, friends and family, and lawn chair!
