Huber Heights outlines 'Roots of Our Community' tree, heritage-tree and pollinator initiatives; seeks grant funding and council sign-off on pledge

Parks staff described 'Roots of Our Community,' a multi-part initiative that bundles a heritage-tree recognition program, a proposed 250-tree planting tied to the region's 250th anniversary and an ask that the mayor or designee take a pollinator pledge through a National Wildlife Federation program.

Staff said the heritage-tree program would accept nominations, use a board-supported evaluation committee to select up to three winners in the fall and place a plaque on or near recognized trees. The 250-tree planting program was written as a grant application seeking roughly $8,000 in state funds; staff said the full grant would fund 250 trees but that the project could be scaled back if the award is smaller or partial funding requires downsizing. Staff said they expected to hear about the grant within a few weeks and that much of the work this year would be planning and school engagement ahead of plantings tied to the 250th anniversary next year.

On pollinators, staff asked the board to recommend that the mayor or designee take a pledge through a program supported by the National Wildlife Federation; staff said the pledge requires a municipality to undertake at least three specific actions to support pollinator conservation and noted the city already performs two candidate actions (a plant sale and areas with natural growth). Staff asked the board to approve taking the pledge between now and the March council meeting so that action can be included in council materials.

Board members discussed volunteer support for a plant sale and engagement with schools and the Wayne Township Historical Society for storytelling around notable trees. Staff characterized the initiatives as low-cost public engagement if grant funds are not awarded, and said volunteers and board members would assist with outreach and events.