Mt. Clemens, MI - On Monday, August 7, Macomb County held an official dedication ceremony of 20 new trees planted in Chesterfield Township through a $25,000 grant from CN Railway and the America in Bloom program. A plaque was unveiled at the event to acknowledge partners and funders of the project.
Speakers included Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, Laura Kunkle and Marvin Miller from America in Bloom, Kevin Donahue from CN Railway, Chesterfield Township Supervisor Brad Kersten and Rotary Club representative Randy McCoy. The group praised the new additions to the County’s tree canopy at Pollard Park and the efforts that went into making the project possible.
“Our Planning and Economic Development Department is committed to improving the quality of life in our communities. One way we do that is by planting trees, and oftentimes that work is supported through grants,” said County Executive Mark Hackel. “I’m proud of this team, because their efforts not only secured funding for new trees for Chesterfield Township, but also for additional plantings this fall in Lenox Township, New Haven and Clinton Township.”
Through its Green Macomb program, Macomb County is working to double the tree canopy across its 27 communities. The County’s current tree cover is 26 percent, which falls short of the USDA recommendation of a 40 percent cover or better in urban areas. To reach this goal, the County is pursuing grant funding to support tree plantings, including this $25,000 grant from CN Railway and America in Bloom. A portion of these funds were used for the new trees in Chesterfield Township at Pollard Park planted in spring 2023. Images from that planting are available here.
“We are proud to collaborate with CN Railway and Macomb County on this project that will plant more trees and shrubs, create native pollinator habitats, and provide critical environmental benefits to the community. Congratulations to everyone involved in this important program,” said Laura Kunkle, Executive Director of America in Bloom (AIB).
AIB is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to using flowers, plants and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements to promote nationwide beautification. They have partnered with CN Railway to support collaborative community greening projects through the CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up grant program. Pollard Park sits along a CN rail line that cuts diagonally through Macomb County, making Chesterfield Township eligible for the grant.
"It’s said the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the next best time is now. Chesterfield Township is taking that to heart and making moves to preserve and promote green space and the natural beauty of our community by connecting non-motorized and water pathways," said Township Supervisor Brad Kersten. "We are so grateful for projects and grants like the America in Bloom program and for volunteers and organizations like the Anchor Bay Rotary Club for its assistance in continuing to move Chesterfield in these areas. The 20 trees planted here at beautiful Pollard Park were strategically placed to provide much needed shade and comfort for families visiting our facility for years to come. We can’t wait to watch as they grow and become new favorite shady spots for family fun."
In addition to the America in Bloom and CN Railway grant, the Pollard Park planting was supported through funds from the Rotary Club of Anchor Bay, with volunteer assistance provided by 30 local high school students.
Images from the plaque unveiling and dedication are available here. For more information on Macomb County’s efforts to increase their urban tree canopy, visit the Green Macomb website.
About Macomb County Planning and Economic Development
The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development supports an environment where businesses prosper and people thrive. Its activities and programs are focused on stimulating the local economy through business retention, expansion and attraction while improving the overall quality of life for residents. The department specializes in providing services to businesses at all stages of development with a concentration on the high-growth industries of aerospace, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, defense and homeland security. For more information, call 586-469-5285 or visit: https://ped.macombgov.org/Ped-Home .