After posting a notice in Nextdoor, the social networking service for neighborhoods, Bill was flooded with interest and planted more than twenty trees for friends and neighbors. But in this time of climate consciousness and environmental regeneration, Bill was looking for more than soil to plant trees. He was looking for common ground among other tree enthusiasts.

At a fundraising event for the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Bill connected with Margy Weinberg, Sue Wolpert, and Laura Marks, who together became the founding members of Heights Tree People. Each of them brought a special skill that helped the group get organized, get focused, get connected, and get planting strategically and responsibly. And while the core team has shifted a little over the years, the guiding purpose of the group has remained constant.

Since its founding in the winter of 2019, and after planting their first official tree on May 15 of that year, Heights Tree People has held true to their mission. The members of this community group understand that planting trees is more than a task in landscaping. It’s an act of love. It’s a way to share knowledge. It’s taking part in a critical shift in our larger culture. Planting trees strengthens our communities and improves the health, vitality, and happiness of our people and our planet.

These may be lofty goals for a small, all-volunteer group, but with determination and dedication, Heights Tree People has led from the heart, and our wider community has responded in kind. We are honored and grateful to be welcomed and supported in our work in Cleveland Heights, University Heights, Shaker Heights, South Euclid, East Cleveland, Cleveland, and more.