Elkhart Tree Planting blitz aims for 2,000 trees by the end of 2027

ELKHART, Ind. -- From service groups to local scouts, several Elkhart community organizations showed up with their shovels and work boots for the first ever tree planting blitz.

As part of a one-million-dollar grant towards the city of Elkhart's urban forestry program, Trees for the Heart, volunteers set their goals high by aiming to plant two thousand trees by the end of 2027.

This event showed that trees provide more than just the vibrant colors we're used to seeing at this time of year.

They are also highly important to the infrastructure of the city.

"The heat island effect," City of Elkhart Projects Coordinator Annie Klehfoth said. "So, if you just have pavement or sidewalks and there is no shade – that pavement absorbs heat throughout the day and then at night it just continues to give that heat off. So, having trees and shade can cool that pavement by 40 degrees."

While more than four hundred trees have already been planted around Elkhart this year – the blitz also provides some important perspective for community volunteers like Jeffery Scyarto.

"My dog and I walk down here every night," Scyarto said. "So, we like the nature and we like getting out and seeing the community get revitalizedin a way like this is super important, I would say."

The tree blitz doesn't stop there as the third and final day will kick off Monday from 1p.m. 4 p.m. at 608 Oakland Avenue.