Competency, courage and integrity of leadership are quickly apparent in the treatment of the urban core. A tone is set every day for those who live there and visitors considering Springfield as their new home. Springfield deserves leadership that has the courage to reinvest in historically neglected areas, the wisdom to treat one another with respect and the strength to seek out information on critical issues.
Recent Springfield collaboration between leadership brought projects that illustrate courage and competency and the ability to reach across differences. The result has been comprehensive restoration of the downtown landscape in 152 new tree plantings, new planters with bold pops of color that also incorporate critical native pollinator support and, last but not least, a streamlined process for urban forestry management. Our urban tree cover in downtown not only provides beauty and shading for pedestrians milling about downtown, it absorbs carbon, cools the city temperatures and reduces flooding.
Springfield was recognized nationally as a "Shining Example of the Power of Growth" in Arbor Day's 2023 March/April newsletter. The article was on the city of Springfield and the Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) work in these areas: a) tree inventory work b) recycling of all leaf and woody debris from municipal tree care and c) more trees planted than removed throughout the city. Last year 327 trees were planted, with more trees planted than removed. Recently, with the support of the city council, the city has received a matching grant of $24,750 for new tree planting (estimated for 130 trees) from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with another $25,000 matching grant funding on the horizon for tree maintenance. A comprehensive forestry management plan by UFC can be accessed at the City of Springfield's website under Urban Forestry Commission. https://www.springfield.us.il.us/Departments/PublicWorks/urbanforestry.aspx.
Quadrant by quadrant, through collaboration between the Urban Forestry Commission, Springfield Public Works, Springfield City Council and Springfield's Office of Planning and Economic Development grant-writing staff, the city has set a course that shapes solid strategic methods for design of the urban core. It enables quick access to hazardous tree locations to either treat or replace them, utilizing "the right tree, right species, in the right place" format. This method is based on a fine-tuned software program that surveys the number of trees in the city, the location of open planting spaces, the ratio between tree species, and which trees need care or removal. One crucial benefit is protection against any widespread species disease linked to this rapidly warming climate.
Jan Von Qualen, chair of UFC, explained that with more diversity, the more likely a healthy urban forest will still be with us in 50 years. A common diversity rule recommends an urban tree population should include no more than 10% of any particular species, so that if one species is hit, many trees remain intact.
In this same spirit of intelligent design, landscape architect Neil Brumleve of Massie Massie and Associates created a project for downtown tree restoration and planters which was approved and implemented this year. City arborist Jeff Reim was on hand extensively during the tree selection, excavating and planting to ensure a smooth transition and that native trees were included. A cornucopia of 29 species of 152 new trees were planted in the downtown area. Some trees of note were: Green Mountain Silver Linden, Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress, and Regal Prince Oak. Few maples were included, due to it being a dominant species in the city. The complete list of trees can be accessed at www.sustainablespringfield.org.
In addition, 145 new planters have been added, some with a long rectangular design and some larger circular ones that have an upgraded watering system requiring less maintenance, saving on city labor cost. New City Greenhouse owner Randy Belville, in collaboration with Susan Helm, developed a design blend of perennial spring color from tulips and daffodils, native flowering pollinator plants, and annuals. These brought bright pops of color for the downtown area from spring to late fall. Prairie dropseed grass, rudbeckia, lantana and petunias are just some of what will be included in the 145 new planters in the city's core. Due to habitat loss for pollinators, from expanding paved and built surfaces as well as pesticide use, restoring habitat for the pollinators is key for the ecosystem and food supply. Integrity in design speaks for itself and builds community.
Anne Logue teaches at the Springfield Art Association, and is a board member of Sustainable Springfield and Faith Coalition for the Common Good. She is a founding member of Springfield Power to the People Coalition.
