The new year brings with it a new Sustainable Cleveland celebration topic. This year we invite you to join Sustainable Cleveland and our partners in celebrating the Year of Vibrant Green Space.  We define Vibrant Green Space as an accessible and active public space that benefits all and connects people to place, nature and one another.

Celebrate with us!

Come celebrate the Year of Vibrant Green Space with our annual Kick-Off Event , on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 11am-2pm in the City Hall Rotunda. Learn what the City of Cleveland Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, Holden Forests & Gardens, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and many other organizations are doing to celebrate vibrant green space in Northeast Ohio. NatureTracks, Cleveland Metroparks’ self-contained mobile classroom will be parked outside of City Hall.  Finally, come hungry and enjoy delicious grub from Cleveland-based MoBite Products (vegan), Aladdin’s Baking Company (Middle Eastern), B&M Barbeque, and Honey Hut. As a reminder, photo ID is required to enter City Hall.

2017 Initiatives

Here are just a few programs and activities to watch for in 2017.

• A significant focus for the Year of Vibrant Green Space will be on trees and the implementation of the Cleveland Tree Plan. In 2015, the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, Holden Arboretum, LAND Studio, Davey Resource Group, the Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC), and many more launched the Plan.  The Plan represents a comprehensive assessment of the city’s current urban forest combined with a unified strategy to reclaim the city’s lost canopy.

The Plan was approved by the Cleveland Planning Commission in 2016 and implementation has continued to progress ever since. In 2017, there will be many areas of focus, including making this year’s Arbor Day one of the best ever, researching best practices in tree policy, establishing a tree goal, and making significant strides in reaching that goal.

So what’s the big hype with trees? Check out this lecture from Holden Arboretum and WRLC highlighting the benefits of trees.

• We can also celebrate this year with Cleveland Metroparks as this is the year of their 100^th Anniversary. Grab a copy of the Emerald Necklace and visit their website to learn about their year-long celebration.

• Save the Date for the return of GardenWalk Cleveland in four City of Cleveland neighborhoods on July 8^th and 9^th.  This free self-guided tour will introduce you to beautiful gardens in the City and give you a chance to meet neighbors.  This year, GardenWalk Cleveland is partnering with the Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership (LEAP) to bring a focus on native plants and pollinators.  In the months leading up to July, LEAP members will be offering programs to introduce the backyard gardener to all the benefits native plants can bring. Check the sustainablecleveland.org calendar and this blog regularly for information about upcoming events.

These are just a few of the topics this year. To learn more and how you can get involved contact Cathi Lehn, Sustainable Cleveland Coordinator ([email protected]).

Happy (Vibrant Green Space) New Year!

NOTE: We plan to issue a new blog each week in 2017. Check back often, share with your networks, and let us know what you want to hear more about.