I SPEAK FOR THE TREES www.ispeakforthetrees.org
Yorkville resident Jen Slepicka didn’t want to sit on the sidelines after more than 1,600 trees were cut down in Yorkville due to emerald ash borer and the Route 47 expansion.
So, drawing inspiration from Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, she started speaking for the trees.
She learned the city had a parkway tree replacement program that allowed residents to purchase a tree for the area in front of their home at half-price, but participation is limited to 36 trees a year.
Beyond that, there isn’t a plan to replace the trees.
Slepicka launched a website and a bigger fundraising effort to encourage interested residents to plant their own trees. www.ispeakforthetrees.org
View video from WSPY TV (taped August 21, 2013): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stGLGKefQ_Q
The plan is simple: Slepicka is hosting a series of fundraisers over the next six weeks or so. All the money raised will buy a large shipment of trees that will be distributed via raffle.
The raffle winners can plant the trees anywhere in their yards and will be trusted to care for them appropriately. The raffle will be held October 21.
Here’s how residents can help:
· Visit http://www.ispeakforthetrees.org You can learn more about the effort and contact organizers through the site.·
Culver’s of Yorkville will donate 10% of sales accompanied with a flier on three nights (Sept. 17, Oct. 15, and Nov. 12). You can download a flier at http://www.ispeakforthetrees.org·
Go to Community Yoga at 6 p.m. Friday at Sense of Samadhi. Owner Tairi Kearns will match any money donated (up to $100) to the tree fund.· www.senseofsamadhi.com
Buy a carwash ticket for Paradise Car Wash for $6; half that amount will go toward the tree fund.·Tickets are available on the website: www.ispeakforthetrees.org
GET A MASSAGE- Purchase a tree.
What? That's right! For every one-hour massage purchased at Karma Skin & Massage, one oak tree sapling will be donated to www.ispeakforthetrees.org.
Drop money in a car at the following Yorkville businesses: Foxy’s Ice Cream, River City Roasters, Sense of Samadhi, Bella Tressa Hair Salon, Dave’s Meat Market, and Cobblestone Bakery & Bistro.
