With 25 years of tradition behind them, 75 cyclists geared up July 29 through Aug. 4 for North America’s largest fundraiser for tree research.
The weeklong Tour des Trees covered more than 500 miles, kicking off in Columbus, Ohio, and looping through Akron, Cleveland and back.
The 26th annual bike ride is an important vehicle for the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), a 501(c)3 charity devoted to sustaining the urban forest and funding research and education grants, to award more than $3.4 million in grants and scholarships since 2002. Each cyclist raises at least $3,500 for TREE Fund.
Created in 1991 by arborists at the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) conference, this cycling adventure helps support scientific research on urban tree care, education related to trees and scholarships for aspiring tree care professionals.
“With funds raised by the Tour, TREE Fund researchers have discovered better ways to propagate, plant and care for urban trees, making them more resilient, more resistant to pests and less prone to failure,” said J. Eric Smith, TREE Fund president and CEO. “The Tour also funds programs to connect young people with the environment and foster careers in the green industries.”
In the last 26 years, the Tour has become much more than a fundraiser. While the goal is to raise money, it is also the TREE Fund’s mission to engage the local community, not just the riders. The Tour provides education, events and community engagement.
“Through our sponsorship of the Tour des Trees, Davey honors our Ohio roots and our founder’s passion for trees,” said Sandra Reid, vice president, corporate communications and strategic planning administration for The Davey Tree Expert Co. “We continue Mr. Davey’s commitment to the care, education and promotion of scientific research of trees.”
