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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 18, 2025 Page 2 borer. She was concerned when she saw trees being removed. She started looking into tree sales. She contacted Shoreview to see if we could join their event. Shoreview declined but referred her to Tree Trust. She reached out to them to see what she needed to do to make a tree sale happen in Arden Hills. She asked if the Tree Trust could help find funding to have a pilot event, as there was nothing in the budget from the City for this type of program. Assuming the pilot event goes well, it is possible the City could budget to subsidize the event next year or try partnering with a business to sponsor the event on a continuing basis. Many employees benefit from the parks and trails so a commercial business sponsorship may be a possibility. Anne Hall said Tree Trust agreed to subsidize $5,000 for the tree sale event. This is a donation to our City’s residents. The event will have 50 trees available for purchase at a discount. They will provide a web page with a simple link to make a payment. The trees have been ordered. She is hoping to use the City’s website and social media to promote the event. The payment link will go live and trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. It will be limited to one tree per household but if they aren’t sold out, interested residents will be able to purchase a second tree. The cost is $45 per tree. These trees typically retail for $130-$160. Anne Hall said there will be a pickup event scheduled on June 7th from 1:00-3:00 pm. Tree Trust will have staff there available to help load the trees into vehicles. They say they can get a tree in any car. She said the current plan is to organize the pickup event at City Hall. She said the Tree Trust staff have been great to work with. Their organization has a business development arm that does outreach to companies and donors. She hasn’t talked to them yet, but they will be a good resource when planning the event next year. She said Committee Member Seemann will be at the event and she is looking for an additional 4-5 volunteers who can help with planting and care guidance. Anne Hall provided a list of tree types that will be available. Four of the types are Ash replacements in response to the Emerald Ash Borer. Residents will be able to select from Autumn Splendor Buckey, True North Kentucky Coffeetree, Hackberry, Swamp White Oak, White Pine and Serviceberry. She is very excited to be partnering with Tree Trust. She really hopes this event will be a success and continue on an annual basis. She said this event is for residents to purchase trees that they will plant in their own yard. However, Tree Trust also works with Cities to plant in public spaces. Council Liaison Rousseau asked what Anne Hall needs from City Council to move this forward for next year. Anne Hall said she is not sure exactly what is needed and would like some guidance on how to move such an event forward. She will try to track demand for folks who don’t get a tree this year. She will need guidance from the Committee on when to be discussing budget. Council Liaison Rousseau said Council typically starts the budget conversation in June. She will add a placeholder to have that conversation when we get closer. Anne Hall said she would love to see this event continue and expand. Chair Dietz thanked her for presenting. He is excited about this event.