Workshop Will Demonstrate Pruning Methods

Thu., Oct. 5, 2000

By Mike Prager mikeprager15@gmail.com (509) 459-5454

Neighbors who want to see more trees planted along the streets and businesses of Moran Prairie are holding a workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday on pruning techniques.

The workshop is intended to show property owners the best methods for maintaining their trees.

It also will call attention to the larger reforestation work by Moran Prairie’s tree volunteers.

Dan Treecraft, a certified arborist, will prune one of four maple trees in front of Pepperdine Sports Bar and Grill, 2911 E. 57th. Treecraft will explain his cutting methods and then supervise the volunteers as they trim three other maple trees in front of the restaurant, which is participating in the reforestation project.

“It’s kind of designed to keep our reforestation project in the public eye,” said Carrie Anderson, one of the organizers.

Treecraft’s appearance is being co-sponsored by the Moran Prairie Reforestation Project tree board and the Spokane County Conservation District.

The goal of the volunteer group is to have the major arterials on Moran Prairie lined with shade trees.

Earlier this year, they planted five trees in front of 24-Hour Fitness, 5501 S. Regal. The fitness spa paid for the trees.

Two other trees were planted at the Great Scott Pub and Grill, 5517 S. Regal, and one was planted at the 57th Avenue Car Wash. The owner of the car wash is a contributor to the group’s reforestation fund.

A developer of new apartments on Palouse Highway near Freya helped the urban forestry effort by planting larger, more mature oak trees than required under development codes, Anderson said.

The tree board is working with businesses, private property owners and government agencies to get more trees planted. The panel is seeking grants and donations.

The group is targeting 57th Avenue from Perry to Palouse Highway, Palouse Highway from Regal to 57th Avenue, and Regal Street from Palouse to 57th.

“We should look at our civic spaces as places we can hold and trust,” Anderson said.

A healthy urban canopy will contribute to a sense of community and ownership of the neighborhood, she said.

The tree board will hold its next meeting at Portobello’s restaurant in the Lincoln Heights Shopping Center on Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.

For more information on the project or to volunteer, call 448-8134.

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