OKI’s free tool to help spread trees throughout our region continues to grow in popularity.
In 2021, Tree for Me was developed as an aid for sustainability organizations, local communities, and residents to estimate the air quality and stormwater benefits of newly planted trees.
In simpler terms, it’s an app for tree lovers and tree distributors.
Tree for Me can be found here: https://www.oki.org/portfolio-items/tree-for-me/.
And it has gained national attention. Tree for Me received a national award by the National Association of Government Web Professionals, receiving its Excellence in Digital Innovation and Engagement Pinnacle Award.
It was also designed to be an educational tool and has been a portal for the Taking Root organization, the city of Covington, the city of Middletown, and the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District for distributing trees to residents in various tree-planting programs. Many other communities have also taken advantage of Tree for Me.
400 trees were distributed to various communities in 2021. In 2022, trees distributed accounted for 250,000 gallons of rainfall and 40,000 gallons of storm runoff intercepted; and 115 pounds of air pollutants filtered, as a result. We anticipate tree distributions to have even a greater impact throughout 2023.
Other OKI Annual Report Highlights
OKI Continues Improving Public Participation, Community Outreach
OKI seeks new ways to engage the region through public meetings, workshops, surveys, social media, and other forums. For example, many of our events have moved online to include hybrid and virtual options.
OKI Aids Clean Air, RideShare, Bike & Pedestrian Trails
Viable bicycle and pedestrian trails, RideShare programs and clean air initiatives are critical to the health and welfare of a region. OKI continues to fund these important amenities because we know our region's 2 million residents value them as much as OKI does.
OKI’s Strategic Regional Policy Plan a Tool for Consistent Development
This plan’s policy recommendations help inform and guide local decision makers. They are based on regional trends in population change, increasing costs of public services, while incorporating environmental health and a better quality of life.