Tree information and Trolley Monument update shared Jan. 2021

The Woodland Heights Organization held its first meeting of 2021 virtually, continuing to keep neighbors physically separated to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  

DM City Forester, David Jahn and Kacie Ballard of
Trees Forever present at the Jan. 19, 2021 WHO meeting

2020 was the Year of the Tree in Des Moines, culminating in the release of the city's first Urban Forest Master Plan.  City Forester, David Jahn shared highlights of this plan, raising awareness of the goals of increasing the city's tree canopy and how neighbors and neighborhoods can be part of the solutions.  

Jahn reminded neighbors that the street trees planted in the 'parking' (the area between the street and the sidewalk) are owned by the city and should be maintained only by the city.  Residents are not allowed to cut down or trim these trees.  Instead they should contact the city to perform the necessary maintenance.  

To notify the city you'd like a street tree planted in the city right-of-way in front of your house, find information online here.  

Kacie Ballard of Trees Forever shared information about this nonprofit organization that works closely with the city to leverage volunteers to plant and maintain more city trees than forestry division staff could accomplish.  Ballard talked in depth about the Growing Futures program as well as becoming a Tree Keeper.  

Ballard shared data about trees in Woodland Heights including that Oaks and Flowering Crabapple were the most abundant species.  To increase tree diversity, 4 recommended species include: Kentucky Coffee Tree, Honeylocust, Yellowwood, and Hophornbeam.  

In October 2019 the WHO voted to send a letter of support for ​community efforts to obtain a historic designation for the Des Moines Streetcar turnaround site near 49th Street and University Avenue.  This location is not in Woodland Heights, but WHO members recognized the historical significance streetcars played in the creation and vibrancy of our neighborhood.  A trolley barn was previously a prominent feature of the neighborhood at Ingersoll and 24th. 

A motion was made and passed at the WHO meeting Jan. 19, 2021 to send another letter of WHO support for the project, and a motion was made and passed to send a donation of $25 from WHO toward funding the Trolley Loop Monument. In making this motion it was noted that individuals can send private donations to support the project.

How to donate:  write a check to the Des Moines Historical Society at the following address.  Be sure to put "Waveland Trolley Loop Fund" in the check memo line.  The address is:

   Des Moines Historical Society

   c/o David Barzen, President

   P.O. Box 8038

   Des Moines, IA 50301

The Des Moines Historical Society is a 501.c.3 organization; it maintains a separate account exclusively for the Waveland Trolley Loop project.

See pictures of the Trolley Loop Monument plans online here.  The intent is to create a welcoming pedestrian space featuring a streetcar sculpture, interpretive information, and a place to relax along the new University Avenue multi-use recreational trail.  

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This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights. Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses. WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines