In an effort to lessen the harmful impacts of the drought to the trees in the City’s parks, The City of Sacramento has launched “Mulch Madness”, a volunteer effort, in partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation.
This past Wednesday, volunteers from various organizations throughout the Sacramento region came together at William Land Park to install mulch under the drip lines of trees in order to hold in moisture, and protect exposed roots from the sun.
The project not only helps the trees survive the drought, but also promotes a safe, sustainable and healthy urban forest for the Sacramento community. Mulch Madness started on July 1 and will continue throughout the summer.
Richard Perez, Volunteer Program Coordinator for the Parks & Recreation Department at the City of Sacramento, organizes the weekly events.
Volunteer groups have included Intel, LexisNexis, VSP, faith-based organizations, youth volunteers, and Sacramento State MBA students. Many of the volunteers on Wednesday took a day off from work to lend a hand to the effort. Good Day Sacramento was present to capture the “madness”.
The City’s partnership with Sacramento Tree Foundation has also made the program such as success.
To date, the city has mulched more than 120 trees. The city frequently monitors its park water use, and has reduced water use by 39 percent since 2013.
Interested in volunteering? Mulch Madness will continue throughout the summer. Visit the City’s Volunteering Opportunities page for future dates and volunteer information.
Mulching can also be done at your own home, and many tree care companies will deliver mulch at your residents free of charge. Visit SMUD for a list of resources.
