Councilman Coan Announces 3rd Annual Planting O’The Green

With the help of several organizations with the goal to expand Louisville’s tree canopy, Councilman Brandon Coan (D-8) has announced the third annual Planting O’ the Green will plant 166 trees in the weeks surrounding the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“In honor of this year’s 46th St. Patrick’s Parade, we’re planting 46 trees in District 8, 46 trees in District 3, 46 trees in District 4, and more trees in District 5,” said Coan.  “Each year, we strive to replenish and expand our tree canopy and I am proud of the volunteers and groups that have joined us to keep moving forward with this goal.”

The Councilman made the announcement with members of the Metro Council, representatives of TreesLouisville, MSD, Brightside, Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

“Research shows that trees can remove as much carbon monoxide on an acre, over a year’s time, to equal the amount you produce when you drive your car 26,000 miles. Trees filter harmful dust and pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide from the air we breathe. District Three sits in the backyard of Rubber Town,” said Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (D-3). “I support the efforts to not only improve the overall environment but protect the residents of District Three both today and in the future.”

“Planting trees helps create a healthier community for everyone by improving the air we breathe. In District 4 we are focusing on planting trees in as many empty tree wells as we can,” says Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4).

On March 20th and 21st, Algonquin Park will be the first location where 46 trees will be planted between 9:00am and 2:30pm. Then on March 22nd, volunteers will help plant 46 trees at Clay and Breckinridge Streets between 10:00am and 12:00pm. On the same day, Elliot Park will see the remaining new trees planted between 9:00am and 2:30pm. The effort wraps up on March 23rd, when Ellison, Crown and Rufer Avenues will receive the final 46 trees are planted by volunteers.

“Elliot Park is a nice neighborhood park for our district, and I am very pleased that we are making sure all areas of our city are enhanced with the beauty of these trees,” says Councilwoman Donna Purvis (D-5).

“Olmsted Parks Conservancy is thrilled to partner with CM Brandon Coan for this year’s Planting O’ the Green. Algonquin Park and Elliott Park both have experienced a natural loss of trees over the years and this program will allow us to jump start a regeneration of that tree canopy. This program exemplifies the adage, “It takes a village” and we are happy to be a part of such a wonderful group of people and organizations working together to increase Louisville’s tree canopy,” said Layla George President/CEO Olmsted Parks Conservancy.

“Urban tree canopy restoration plays a vital role for MSD as we strive toward our vision of safe, clean waterways. Trees provide a host of benefits, such as reducing the urban heat island effect and helping manage excess stormwater runoff generated by hard surfaces like parking lots, roadways, and rooftops. Increased tree canopy means improved habitat for our local wildlife and cleaner, safer waterways for our city,” said Jordan A. Basham of MSD.

John O’Dwyer, President of the Father Abram J. Ryan Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, reflected on the meaning of the St. Patrick’s Parade and the impact of Planting O’ The Green.  

“The Hibernians strive to open the spring season each year with the St. Patrick’s Parade, often called the People’s Parade, and it is a time for fun and community. Now we are making the Greenest Parade even greener as the next evolution of this charity event to give back to our fine city,” O’Dwyer said.

 The 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade is Saturday, March 9th. For more information about Planting O’ the Green or if you would like to join the volunteers, contact Councilman Coan’s office at 574-1108.