Youth Transform River Parkway

A sea of Tree Trust-branded neon yellow shirts flooded Lower Landing Park on MEA break. Saint Paul students wearing their new high-visibility clothing were not out for a leisurely stroll on their day off school—they came to work. For two days over the MEA break, 37 Saint Paul students from nine different schools planted 250 trees. Young people earned a wage, while learning hands-on what it was like to work as an urban forester.

Event Kick-Off

Enjoying the warm weather, students, along with their families and local dignitaries, lined up along the boardwalk at Lower Landing Park. As the sun rose over the Mississippi River, our first planting day began with encouraging words from Tree Trust’s CEO & Executive Director, Jared Smith, and Director of Saint Paul Parks & Recreation, Andy Rodriguez.

Tree Trust’s partnership with the City of Saint Paul is a direct response to the devastation of our urban tree canopy from the invasive pest emerald ash borer (EAB). Together we are working to replant trees in spaces that have lost significant canopy due to EAB, while offering meaningful employment opportunities to Saint Paul’s young people to help implement this important work. Mr. Smith shared his gratitude with the young planters. “It’s incredible that all of you have said, ‘Yes, I’m going to come out today and I’m going to plant trees in my community.’ Thank you. The work that you’re doing today is going to positively impact this whole community.”

The Mighty Mississippi

Director Rodriguez questioned the young people, “If I asked you what is the most valuable asset in the City of Saint Paul, what would be your answer? And I’ll give you a hint. It’s right behind you. The Mississippi River. Could anyone tell me how many miles of riverfront we have in the City of Saint Paul? Anyone want to guess?” Director Rodriguez continued, “Seventeen miles of Mississippi River.”

This 17-mile stretch of the Mississippi River winding along the heart of downtown Saint Paul has historically been known as a working river. However, the City of Saint Paul is working to redefine this axiom. Director Rodriguez shared, “Just across the way you have Upper River Services. They ship cargo up and down this river. But the river isn’t just a working river anymore. It’s for recreational purposes, it’s to connect to the water, it’s to have fun, and that’s what you all are contributing today, beautifying this riverfront. We want people to come down here and enjoy this space.”

The eyes of Saint Paul’s youth lit up with a newfound purpose. Inspired to change the landscape of their city, they moved forward with focus and determination, successfully planting 130 trees on their first day.

Youth Transform River Parkway – Planting Trees with Mayor Carter

On the second day of the MEA planting event, a small group of participants had the exciting opportunity to plant a linden tree with Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. The students were eager to share their tree knowledge with Mayor Carter. Mayor Carter asked the young planters, “Why is it important to have trees in the city?” One participant was quick to share, “Trees filter the air, they give shade for our animal friends, and they stop flooding. We need trees, they help us breathe.”

Mayor Carter announced that Saint Paul recently declared victory over removing all the emerald ash borer-infested ash trees in Saint Paul’s public rights of way. He stated, “This partnership with Tree Trust is important. We want young people to learn to be stewards of our environment and to create opportunities for young people to grow up and work in our community.”

Tree Trust is grateful for our partnership with the City of Saint Paul. We would like to thank Patrick Kelliher, Outreach Director for Senator Amy Klobuchar, for attending our event and supporting our mission to transform lives and landscapes, as well as all the dignitaries and young people who worked to make our MEA planting successful. To view all the happy new trees growing along Warner/Shephard Road, take a stroll or ride a bike or scooter along the parkway from Lower Landing Park to Upper Landing Park.