SE Valley Times

February marks Love My Park Month in Mesa, and the city is encouraging residents to contribute by planting trees. On Saturday, February 22, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers are invited to Sherwood Park at 1453 S. Horne to help plant up to 100 trees alongside Mesa's Tree Stewards.

The initiative aims to enhance the park's aesthetics and expand its tree canopy with desert-adapted and native shade trees. "The tree planting will create more shade for people walking in Sherwood Park and more shade near the playgrounds," said Scott Bouchie, Mesa Energy and Sustainability Director. He highlighted that mature trees would also mitigate flooding risks by capturing rainwater during storms and reduce traffic noise for nearby residents.

Sherwood Park currently has a 4% tree canopy, while the surrounding neighborhood has an 8% canopy. This event is part of Mesa's Trees Are Cool Initiative, launched in 2023, which seeks to plant one million trees by 2050 to achieve a citywide canopy goal of 15%.

Participants will also get a preview of M.O.R.E. (Mesa Outdoor Recreation Experience), a new mobile nature unit from Mesa Parks and Recreation designed to educate the community about local flora, fauna, and recreational opportunities. Upcoming M.O.R.E. activities will be promoted through Mesa Parks and Recreation’s online platforms.

For those interested in volunteering or seeking more information about the event, the Arizona Sustainability Alliance provides details and sign-up options.

Love My Park Month offers various themes each week:

- Playgrounds Week: Feb. 2-8

- Bikes Week: Feb. 9-15

- Nature Week: Feb. 16-22

- Dog Parks Week: Feb. 23-28

Further information on Mesa Parks and Recreation can be found online.