TREE PLANTING EVENT: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association Partners with Leadership Long Beach-Class of 2008 and Public Works for Arbor Day Tree Planting

On Saturday, April 26, 9am – Noon, 48 trees will be planted along the Atlantic Avenue corridor between Carson and Burlinghall. This project is part of a brand new and unique partnership between the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, Leadership Long Beach-Class of 2008, and the City of Long Beach, Department of Public Works. This project is the best case scenario of partnerships between city agencies and associations working together for the greater good.

“It’s a win-win situation,” said Blair Cohn, Executive Director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association. “The tree planting helps complete the BKBIA tree planting program and contributes to our overall streetscape plan. Leadership Long Beach gets to leave a legacy of the 2008 Class, and Public Works gets to celebrate Arbor Day and continues to create the urban forest of Long Beach. How can it get any better than that?”

It’s A Grind, 4245 Atlantic, will be the headquarters and meeting place for the event. Free coffee and hot chocolate will be provided by It’s A Grind to all volunteers. The coffee house will even be bringing out their official mascot, Toddy, for the event! Councilwoman Rae Gabelich will provide the food for the volunteers. There will be a brief demonstration and training and then volunteers will be assigned to tree wells for the planting. Members of Leadership Long Beach will serve as “captains” responsible for a section of tree wells and volunteers.

Approximately 100 volunteers are needed to plant the trees. It’s a great way for residents to come out and celebrate Arbor Day. Tools and supplies will be provided by Public Works and Long Beach Greens and volunteers are encouraged to bring shovels and gloves.. Volunteers interested in helping with the tree planting should contact the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association at (562) 595-0081 or info@bixbyknolls.com. Spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors.

The BKBIA thanks California Heights ReLeaf for their collaboration in reigniting our tree planting program, which taught the BKBIA how to facilitate volunteer tree plantings in the commercial corridors. CH ReLeaf was instrumental in securing the first planting on the 3400 block of Atlantic last November. Through that effort, important relationships were formed in our community and with organizations such as Tree People Los Angeles and the City of Long Beach. The collaboration with CH Releaf provided BKBIA with the experience and expertise needed to beautify our business districts and create a more pedestrian friendly environment to attract residents, visitors and new businesses to our area. CH ReLeaf continues its involvement and will provide planting supervisor training to ensure a healthy start for our trees.

Other supporters include Long Beach Greens and Tree People for providing volunteers, tools and other supplies for this special event.

Project Contacts:

·Leadership Long Beach, Nelson Kerr, Nelson_Kerr@longbeach.gov
·City of Long Beach, Dept. of Public Works, Art Cox, Art_Cox@longbeach.gov
·Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, Blair Cohn, info@bixbyknollsinfo.com

Blair Cohn
Executive Director
Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association
4313 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807
Phone (562) 595-0081
Fax (562) 595-0281
www.BixbyKnollsInfo.com