Tree Planting Event Scheduled for April 21 in Slavic Village

The Third Federal Foundation, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and a host of Reforesting Slavic Village partners are holding an Earth Day tree planting event April 21, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland in Slavic Village. Approximately 20 trees are scheduled to be planted at the event, including 14 on Broadway Avenue from East 55^th to Third Federal's headquarters; four at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland; and two at Cleveland Central Catholic High School.

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Why Urban Reforestation Matters

Cleveland was once nicknamed The Forest City, but the city has lost significant canopy. Tree canopy cover is currently 19%; only one quarter of what is possible. Each year an estimated 97 acres of tree canopy is lost. At this rate, canopy will drop to 14% by 2040 unless we act now. It is time to rebuild the urban forest, together.

The Cleveland Tree Plan is a community-wide collaboration to rebuild the urban forest through partnership. The City of Cleveland, along with public and private stakeholders have assessed Cleveland's urban forest and are now determining a unified vision and plan of action to reforest the Forest City.

Trees are a critical piece of our community infrastructure. A growing body of research and documentation validates the critical role that a robust urban tree canopy plays in providing an environment that contributes to residents' health and economic well-being, as well as helping to meet the many environmental and ecological challenges that impact their daily lives.

"Trees are essential for all healthy human communities," emphasized Rich Cochran, president and CEO of the nonprofit Western Reserve Land Conservancy. "But in too many urban and suburban communities, tree canopies are dwindling. The Land Conservancy launched its Reforest Our City program to help reverse this terrible trend. Starting in the city of Cleveland, we are working with our partners, including residents and other institutions, to plant and maintain thousands of trees."

According to the Cleveland Tree Plan, tree canopy cover in the Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood is just 18%. The following are the Reforesting Slavic Village partners that have come together to improve the neighborhood's tree canopy: Americorps, ArcelorMittal, Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland, Councilman Anthony Brancatelli, Broadway P-16, City of Cleveland Office of Sustainability, City Year Cleveland, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Cleveland Central Catholic, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Police Department, Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, Cuyahoga Community College, Holden Forests and Gardens, Slavic Village Development, Third Federal Foundation, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and Youth Opportunities Unlimited.

The Third Federal Foundation provides financial support to charitable organizations in the communities in which Third Federal operates, and enables communities to share in the long-term growth of the company. It also supports the ongoing obligations to its communities under the Community Reinvestment Act. Third Federal Savings and Loan Association is a leading provider of savings and mortgage products, and operates under the values of love, trust, respect, a commitment to excellence and fun. Founded in Cleveland in 1938 as a mutual association by Ben and Gerome Stefanski, Third Federal's mission is to help people achieve the dream of home ownership and financial security. It became part of a public company in 2007 and celebrates its 80th anniversary in May, 2018. Third Federal, which lends in 21 states and the District of Columbia, is dedicated to serving consumers with competitive rates and outstanding service. Third Federal, an equal housing lender, has 21 full service branches in Northeast Ohio, eight lending offices in Central and Southern Ohio, and 17 full service branches throughout Florida. As of December 31, 2017, the Company's assets totaled $13.9 billion. For more, visit our website at Thirdfederal.com.

Western Reserve Land Conservancy provides the people of our region with essential natural assets through land conservation and restoration. The Land Conservancy preserves natural areas and working farms in 17 counties in northern and eastern Ohio; its urban program, Thriving Communities, works statewide to clean and green urban centers devastated by the foreclosure crisis. To date, the Land Conservancy has permanently preserved more than 670 properties totaling greater than 50,000 acres; worked with municipalities to create more than 140 public parks and preserves; led the efforts to create 41 county land banks across Ohio; and planted more than 3,500 trees in the city of Cleveland. For more information, visit www.wrlandconservancy.org.

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