Rooted in Cheyenne rallying to revitalize city forestry

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - When we think of dying forests, Cheyenne doesn’t exactly come to mind.

But Cheyenne’s forest are indeed dying. Rooted in Cheyenne is continuing their mission to revive that declining canopy with a neighborhood tree planting event Saturday, May 20, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The effort hopes to plant 100 trees comprised of 13 different species to grow in Cheyenne.

“Many of the trees our forefathers planted are coming down daily, and homeowners are choosing not to replant. In areas that did not benefit from neighborhood-wide tree planting efforts, trees are scattered and less abundant. Together, these conditions have led to large gaps in our forest canopy,” a press release from Rooted in Cheyenne stated.

The release also went on to mention how inconsistent tree planting efforts and an aging canopy have contributed to the fragmented and declining forest.

The event is open to volunteers who can register here for the event.

Those interested can either volunteer for the first half of the day (7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.), the second half (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) or both. Lunch and refreshments will be provided for all shifts.

Rooted in Cheyenne, who’s been planting trees since 2017, has put over 1000 trees back into Cheyenne grounds since their inception.

According to their website, Rooted in Cheyenne is a nonprofit committed to tree planting and building a more diverse and resilient urban tree canopy that cultivates greener, healthier, and more livable neighborhoods.