One hundred trees are taking root in Richard Greene Linear Park thanks to a recent volunteer effort. Fifty volunteers donated their time and energy to Arlington's Parks and Recreation Department in celebration of Earth Day 2012. The volunteers planted the trees in the shadow of Rangers Ballpark in late April.

"The power of volunteerism is amazing,"said Matt Churches, City Forester. "We planted these trees in two hours. This is a great way to promote giving back to the community not only with volunteerism but by the fact these trees will be giving back for decades".

Since 2010, the city has planted over 5,000 trees throughout Arlington in an effort to grow its urban forest including tees planted in cooperation with Super Bowl XLV and the NBA All-Star Game. A study conducted by the US Forest Service shows the city has 2,965,000 trees that provide 2.94 million in pollution removal and storing 413,000 pounds of carbon with a structural value of 2.75 billion dollars. This study solidifies the importance of the trees and the need to increase Arlington's urban forest.

In 2011, the city pledged the planting of 30,000 trees over the course of 10 years. "These trees are part of that plan. We are working on projects to continually educate the community about the value that trees provide to our community as well as expand our urban forest"added Churches.

Earth Day, started in 1970, was created to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment. Each year Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 with events in Arlington and around the world.