Nestled in the Heart of the bustling Cleveland-Elyria is a small group responsible for the green renaissance. They're called the Heights Tree People, and they recently celebrated a monumental achievement: planting their 1,000th tree since the group’s inception four years ago. But it's not just about trees; it's about fostering community love, promoting sustainability, and creating a brighter, greener future for everyone in their community - an excellent sign for homebuyers looking to move to Cleveland.

Milestone Moment: The 1,000th Tree Takes Root in Cleveland Heights

On a crisp October 5th morning, a magnificent red oak found its new home inside the iconic Cleveland Heights High School Stadium at the bustling northeast corner of Cedar and Lee roads. Laura Marks, one of the passionate co-founders of Heights Tree People, addressed the eager crowd gathering assembled to commemorate this historic tree planting. With a warm smile, she explained that their actions come from love. She emphasized the importance of paying homage to the past while eagerly anticipating a future where this newly planted tree would provide essential shade and enhance the community's natural beauty.

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This all-volunteer group has grown significantly, evolving into an independent nonprofit organization, and expanding its reach into neighborhoods lacking sufficient tree cover. One of their primary focuses has been the streets surrounding Heights High School and the charming Caledonia neighborhood.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Making Our Streets Greener

In a collaborative effort, the City of Cleveland Heights recently planted 45 tree-lawn trees along Nela View Road as part of the Start Right infill housing initiative. Heights Tree People joined the effort by distributing flyers to the residents offering front yard trees. Homeowners enthusiastically embraced the opportunity, enhancing the neighborhood's lush green canopy.

Greening the Streets and Reducing Crime

One significant challenge they encountered was tree maintenance. While the city planted trees on the tree lawns, they lacked a dedicated tree maintenance program. Heights Tree People secured a $1,000 mini-grant from FutureHeights to address this issue, enabling them to establish a tree-watering program. They purchased a large water tank, with the city providing the essential water during the crucial first summer to ensure the trees developed robust root systems.

Planting Trees and Lowering Crime Rates

During her weekly visits to water the trees, Laura Marks took on another vital role: litter picker-upper. Initially, she would collect about two kitchen-sized garbage bags worth of litter each week. By the end of the season, it was down to a mere fraction of that amount. This tangible improvement aligns with studies showing that areas with robust tree canopies also experience lower crime rates, including less graffiti, vandalism, and littering.

PEACE Canopy: Green Oasis in the Making

One of the most exciting developments in the journey of Heights Tree People is their partnership with Heights Libraries. Together, they applied for a generous $34,476 grant through Cuyahoga County's Healthy Urban Tree Program. This grant covers more than half the cost of planting over 200 trees on the Coventry PEACE campus in the upcoming year.

Bringing Nature to the Heart of the Community

This 'mini-urban forest project' aims to create a lush, shaded environment, purify the air, offer habitats to other species, foster community connections, and provide a serene space for children and adults to enjoy the outdoors. The project isn't just about trees. It's about facilitating environmental education and demonstrating ecological stewardship at PEACE Park.

What This Means for the Homebuyer - NAF Homes

The Cleveland-Elyria communities, notably Cleveland Heights, are flourishing thanks to the extraordinary efforts of organizations like Heights Tree People. These initiatives beautify neighborhoods and promote a sense of community, sustainability, and pride. The benefits for homebuyers in this area are multifaceted: cleaner streets, greener surroundings, lower crime rates, and a promising future with a more sustainable and vibrant community. To begin your homebuying journey, contact NAF Homes to match with a real estate agent in the community.

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