Trees for Tomorrow

The Trees for Tomorrow Campaign was a fund raiser for the revitalization of downtown Little Rock. This campaign primarily focused on the River Market District. Donating $500 to $2,000 would allow people to be involved in growing an "urban forest" in downtown Little Rock. This money will not only pay for tree and upkeep, but it will also help pay for renovations in the downtown area. These renovations include ornamental antique lamp posts and complementary park benches in the River Market District. The trees are lining Commerce Street and Markham Street near the River Market District.

The trees that were chosen for the Trees for Tomorrow were the Autumn Blaze maples. These trees can withstand carbon dioxide, salt, and oil deposits from urban traffic. An Autumn Blaze maple is a cross breed between the Red maples and the Silver maples. Red maples give lively fall and spring colors, while the Silver maples grow quickly. Each tree will be surrounded by a cast-iron gate and there will be a four foot brick strip to give a creative landscape and structure to the "urban forest".

Some of the trees that were paid for were used as gifts or memorials for family members. Dr. John Jones, a volunteer chairman bought a "family tree" for his wife, Julie, and their children Jordan, Jamie, Barrett, and Collier. Jones's siblings bought a tree to serve as a memorial for their parents Dr. Robert and Lavonna Jones. Bronze plaques are engraved with the names of the recipients of the gifts and are set in concrete near their trees.

References

• Kimberly Gillespie, "Trees for Tomorrow Seeks Money for an 'Urban Forest,'" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, December 29, 1996.