Euclid Tree Allies draws volunteers; group lines up deer-guard and pruning projects

Jody, a City staff member, reported on the first Euclid Tree Allies meeting, saying about 18 people attended, including Councilman Gresham and several commissioners. "I was pretty impressed with the group that came. And I was excited that they were really gung ho," one commissioner said.

Jody outlined two immediate projects: installing deer guards at Kenayuko Park (materials already received) and a young-tree training/pruning demonstration for nine honey locust trees on Lake Shore Boulevard downtown. The demonstrations will teach basic pruning tools, techniques and safety precautions while helping clean up the trees.

Longer-term goals discussed included creating a tree steward program modeled on land-conservancy stewardship curricula — training residents in basic planting, mulching, watering and pruning techniques. Jody said the group will schedule the two near-term projects, reach out to residents for availability and use a Doodle poll or similar tool to collect dates.

Commissioners and members emphasized capturing volunteer enthusiasm quickly to convert interest into action. One member noted the attendance included residents who had raised prior concerns about local tree care, suggesting the group could host both hands-on maintenance volunteers and advocacy-oriented participants.

No formal policy changes or city commitments were made at the meeting; the item focused on organizing volunteer activities and scheduling.