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Adopt-A-Tree program begins

The Inter-Mountain photo by Haley Gordon City Council Member Marilynn Cuonzo, 4th Ward, after watering the sapling prizes for the new Adopt-A-Tree program.

ELKINS — This year marks the beginning of a new project in Elkins, the Adopt-A-Tree program.

The goal of the new Elkins Tree Board program is to promote tree planting and growth within the city.

The Tree Board is sponsoring a contest for the inaugural year of the program. This contest will provide two homeowners within each of the five wards of the city with a tree to plant and grow near their home.

“The Elkins Tree Board will work with the (winner) for three years to help them prune the tree and educate them about the tree,” Elkins City Council member and Tree Board Member Marilynn Cuonzo said.

This means that even those with no botanical experience can apply to win and still have faith that their new tree will grow and flourish.

Cuonzo said the board was inspired to do this project because “so many (trees) have been lost due to storms and age.”

Cuonzo told The Inter-Mountain that the loss of trees are contributing to the rise in temperature. Consequently, hotter temperatures make breathing conditions such as asthma and COPD worse.

“We’re trying to establish some lost canopy,” said Cuonzo.

Applications for the contest are due Friday and are available on Facebook, at Elkins City Hall, and on the city of Elkins website. Once winners are chosen, trees will be delivered no later than Oct.14.

Call 304-636-1414, ext. 1110 for more information.

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