ICT Trees has a shady plan for some Wichita neighborhoods — and it’s just beginning | Opinion

Harold Schlechtweg and Elizabeth Bishop
·2 min read

One year ago, ICT Trees, Inc., was formed as a new non-profit dedicated to promoting, expanding, and maintaining Wichita’s urban tree canopy.

In the past year ICT Trees has hit all benchmarks set a year ago.

We helped to save city property set for development that would have meant the loss of almost 50 mature shade trees in the heart of the city.

We organized an Urban TreeFest on what is now Millwood Park, the city’s newest park.

We sponsored guided tree walks.

We advised in the creation of the city’s first formal tree policy.

Now, thanks to a grant from Evergy, and partnering with the Forestry Division of the City Park Department, plus the Arbor Day Foundation, we have some free trees for urban neighborhoods that are underserved in tree canopy.

A recent NASA study showed that some urban areas have more paving on roads, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots in comparison to tree canopy. Such heat islands absorb heat during the day and release heat at night, making the night temps hot for both people and vegetation.

ICT Trees can provide free trees in a couple of these city areas.

Two of the relevant census tracts, referenced in the NASA study, are included in ZIP Codes 67214 and 67208. If you live in one of those ZIP Codes, you can request a free tree to plant in your yard.

The trees will be distributed from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. April 6., in Murdock Park, 1808 E. Murdock, to those homeowners who requested them.

At 10:30 a.m. a demonstration tree planting will take place in the park. Written information on planting and caring for a tree, along with some supplies will also be provided.

Here is the internet link to take you to Arbor Day Foundation website where you can request a tree: arborday.org/icttrees. Questions can be addressed to trees.ict@gmail.com.

This first free tree distribution is a small one, (50 trees) as we learn the model of using the internet to request free trees. We hope to take what we learn to offer more such projects to help expand tree canopy. Our goal is to have these trees planted and thriving in our urban neighborhoods.

Harold Schlechtweg is president and Elizabeth Bishop is project manager for ICT Trees.