Cleveland Metroparks Launches Tree Planting Interactive Guide on Earth Day

Cleveland Metroparks today announced its new Tree Selector interactive guide and revealed initial findings of a three-year long forest health study in partnership with The Lubrizol Foundation ahead of Earth Day on April 22. The new resource is designed to help residents, planners, land stewards and arborists across Northeast Ohio plant more sustainably with native tree species. In addition, Cleveland Metroparks announced that it will be giving away 1,000 tree saplings at all five nature centers beginning today through Arbor Day on Friday, April 26.

Cleveland Metroparks spans more than 25,000 acres, including approximately 18,000 acres of forests. A three-year study evaluated conditions of Cleveland Metroparks’ forests, identified changes over time, and helped to determine carbon storage and sequestration across the Park District to provide strategic insight on threats, climate resilience and best practices in forest management.

Results of the study determined Cleveland Metroparks forests:

• Total tree population is estimated at 2.37 million and is predicted to increase by nearly one million trees by 2075
• Increased in canopy cover by 7% from 2010 to 2021
• Help improve Northeast Ohio climate and air quality through carbon sequestration equivalent to over 8.4 million gallons of gasoline and energy use of over 9,000 homes annually
• Contain at least 21 native tree species that are threatened by significant pests or pathogens
• Contain 13 native tree species that are not tolerant to climate change

“I want to thank The Lubrizol Foundation for its support in this critical research that will guide our management of plants and forests across the Cleveland Metroparks more than 25,000 acres,” said Cleveland Metroparks Director of Natural Resources Jennifer Grieser. “Native trees and plants are essential to a healthy ecosystem, and we encourage all of Northeast Ohio to learn more this Earth Day about how planting responsibly can build a healthier, cleaner and more sustainable future in Northeast Ohio.”  

The free Tree Selector was informed by the findings of the study and is designed to help empower Northeast Ohio to plant for a more climate resilient future. The interactive guide helps find the best native tree to plant, identify project site conditions and find native plant nurseries in the area. Planting native trees helps in mitigating soil erosion, reduces flood impact, provides shade that reduces energy costs, improves air quality by filtering pollutants and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

“At Lubrizol, sustainability is core to our organizational purpose,” said Elizabeth Grove, Lubrizol’s Chief Sustainability Officer and President of The Lubrizol Foundation. “We know the right tree canopy can significantly impact the management of CO2 capture, which is key to curbing climate change. The Lubrizol Foundation was honored to support this valuable project to promote smart forestry decisions that will impact our environment for generations to come.”  

For more information including the full Climate Resilience and Carbon Accounting report visit clevelandmetroparks.com.

Tree Giveaway

1,000 northern red oak saplings will be available at all 5 nature centers the week of Earth Day and Arbor Day thanks to Cargill and Living Lands & Waters. Saplings will be available during center open hours, starting April 22nd, while supplies last. Limit one per person. Visit clevelandmetroparks.com for more information.

About Cleveland Metroparks

Established in 1917, Cleveland Metroparks spans more than 25,000 acres across Northeast Ohio including 18 reservations, more than 325 miles of trails, nine golf courses, eight lakefront parks, dining and retail venues, and nationally acclaimed Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

About Lubrizol

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a specialty chemical company whose science delivers sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve wellbeing and enhance modern life. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol owns and operates more than 100 manufacturing facilities, sales and technical offices around the world and has more than 8,000 employees. For more information, visit www.Lubrizol.com.