Members of the Belleville Running Club (BRC) planted 16 Hackberry trees along the MetroBikeLink trail between the McKinley connector and Green Mount Road. These native trees, donated by Forest ReLeaf, will be planted approximately 50 feet apart from each other on the south side of the trail.
The BRC is co-sponsor of the Belleville Main Street Marathon, and a stretch along the MetroBikeLink was referred to as “The Desert” as there is no shade available. “The trees we plant will not offer much relief for a number of years, but according to an ancient proverb, ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.’ The trees we plan today will not only provide needed shade for runners, but benefit the environment and enhance this beloved community asset too,” said Lisa Zamfir, Public Relations Co-Chair of the Belleville Running Club.
“We are thrilled to foster partnerships like this with local organizations that enable community members to be involved and foster a sense of ownership in these community assets. Together, we can improve our trail system to better serve the specific needs of the people that use them most while also benefiting the broader community and environment,” said Herb Simmons, Chair of the St. Clair County Board of Trustees.