Casper parks division to plant 79 trees at Sage Park after Enterprise‑funded Community Trees grant

City parks and urban‑forestry staff told Casper City Council they were awarded a Community Trees Grant through the Arbor Day Foundation, funded by the Enterprise Mobility Foundation, and plan an initial planting of 79 trees and shrubs at Sage Park this fall as the first phase of an arboretum project.

Parks staff said the grant award is for just under $35,000 and that the project will plant a diverse mix of trees and shrubs at Sage Park to create a living educational resource. Staff identified Oct. 22 as the planned planting date and said the city will partner with Enterprise Mobility Foundation and volunteer groups to install the trees. Staff said the planting will be followed by mulching, staking and winter protection; interpretive signage is planned for the summer following the installation when production time allows.

Why it matters: Staff said an arboretum at Sage Park would boost biodiversity, create an outdoor classroom for schools and the public, and add visual interest to a high‑visibility park. The project will use existing irrigation in the park with minor adjustments and will include maintenance provisions: mulching, wire caging around individual trees to deter wildlife, hand‑watering through winter when temperatures allow, and installing a few frost‑free faucets and use of a water trailer as needed.

Staff described the planting stock as mostly 15–25‑gallon trees, many ball‑and‑burlap, with some specimens up to 6–7 feet in height; one example species listed in the handout was a 2.5‑inch sucker‑punch chokecherry. Councilors raised questions about species choice (one councilor noted concern about Ohio buckeye and about fruit and seed drop creating cleanup needs). Staff said the plant palette was developed with local nurseries and professionals to maximize survival and that they have planned for additional maintenance where fruit and cones may create cleanup needs. Staff also noted existing irrigation in Sage Park will support the new trees and that the parks division will provide supplemental hand‑watering and protective cages.

Staff said volunteer coordination is expected to help with installation and future maintenance and that registration details for volunteers and conference participants will be shared via staff email links. Council members expressed support and appreciation for the project and for the volunteer component.