April 20, 2017

Contacts:
Park cleanup: Genevieve Nowak (Belle Isle Conservancy), 313-334-7053
Tree giveaway: Kevin Sayers (DNR), 517-284-5898

Spring cleanup, tree giveaway Saturday at Belle Isle Park

The public is invited to join in two Earth Day-related events – the annual spring cleanup and a tree giveaway – Saturday, April 22, at Belle Isle Park in Detroit.

Volunteer park cleanup

Hundreds of volunteers will roll up their sleeves and remove trash and debris at the park’s annual spring cleanup event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Coordinated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Belle Isle Conservancy, the day is an opportunity for individuals, families, community groups and others to help beautify the island. 

Volunteers are asked to check in at 8 a.m. at the park's Flynn Pavilion to receive site assignments. Volunteers should dress for the weather (including work boots and gloves) and, if possible, bring lawn rakes or other preferred tools. Certificates for earned community service credit will be awarded on-site. 

Cleanup efforts will be followed by a community celebration with music and a complimentary hotdog lunch. The Recreation Passport requirement for state park vehicle entry will be waived for cleanup volunteers.

For more information about the cleanup event visit www.belleisleconservancy.org/belleislespringcleanup.

Tree giveaway for Detroit residents

The Detroit Tree Recovery Campaign – a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program – will distribute up to 1,000 trees to Detroit residents.

A variety of trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (one per person) beginning at 10 a.m. at the Belle Isle Park bandshell parking lot along Loiter Way. These new trees – approximately 4 to 5 feet tall and distributed in 3-gallon containers – will be free of charge to help to replace trees lost to emerald ash borer and the recent March windstorm.

“We’re hoping to help homeowners restore tree cover and beautify their neighborhoods,” DNR urban forester Kevin Sayers said. “Homeowners also will receive planting and care instructions and guidance on where and how to plant their trees.”

For more information on the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program, contact Kevin Sayers at 517-284-5898 or sayersk@michigan.gov or visit the DNR website www.mi.gov/ucf.

About Belle Isle
Belle Isle Park, a 982-acre island park located in the Detroit River near downtown Detroit, is rich with natural beauty and historical and cultural resources. The park is home to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, a golf course, the James Scott Memorial Fountain and many more attractions popular with all ages and interests. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, kayaking and picnicking. Learn more at www.belleislepark.org.

About the Belle Isle Conservancy
The Belle Isle Conservancy‘s mission is to protect, preserve, restore and enhance the natural environment, historic structures and unique character of Belle Isle as a public park for the enjoyment of all – now and forever. In 2014, historic Belle Isle joined Michigan’s expansive, award-winning park system as Michigan’s 102nd state park. The Belle Isle Conservancy is responsible for generating substantial funds for improvement projects and cultural programs throughout the island. For more information, visit www.belleisleconservancy.org.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.