Cycling Event Raises Funds for Tree Research



    WHEATON, Ill., July 29 /EMWNews/ -- More than 50 cyclists planted

trees along a 500-mile route through Indiana, Illinois and Missouri in the

2008 Tree Research & Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) Tour des Trees.

They rode with two missions: to raise money for research and scholarships

in the field of tree care and to help the public understand the importance

of proper tree care to maintain the health of our community forests and

urban trees.








    To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:

EMWNews.com/mnr/treefund/34248/" target="_new">http://www.EMWNews.com/mnr/treefund/34248/



    "Research has shown that healthy, mature trees significantly reduce

energy consumption, encourage wildlife and improve our quality of life,"

said Janet Bornancin, TREE Fund executive director. "Research is still

needed to find better ways to maintain mature and newly planted urban trees

and prevent damage from pests and disease."



    The TREE Fund Tour des Trees is America's largest fundraising event to

improve the care of trees through research and education. Riders of all

ages and abilities raised a total of $287,500 during this year's tour July

21-26.



    Steven Asplundh, vice president of Asplundh Tree Expert Co. (a TREE

Fund partner) says his company is pleased to support the Tour des Trees.

He's personally put his legs on the line for the cause as a three-time

rider. "From the sponsors and the TREE Fund staff, to the support

volunteers and the riders, many people are needed to make this fundraiser

the success that it is. It's good to know that the research grants funded

by these events lead to greater knowledge, safety and professionalism in

our industry."



    Anita Gambill speaks for TREE Fund partner, STIHL Inc. which has

sponsored the Tour des Trees for eight years. "We are proud to do our part

in furthering the TREE Fund's work through our own efforts to develop

low-emission engine technologies, so people who care for trees every day

can be sure their tools support their environmental concerns."



    Good tree care includes helping to avoid problems with trees and fix

them when they arise. TREE Fund partner Duke Energy is on board with that.

"We are proud to be a sponsor of an organization which educates customers

on "Right Tree-Right Place," said Duke Energy's Steve Bahr. "Trees are

often linked with power outages and it's important to know the safety

hazards of trees and power lines."



    The TREE Fund Tour des Trees began July 21st in Indianapolis, Ind. at

the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500. The day ended nearly

100 miles later in Bloomington, and from there, riders traveled through

Indiana with stops in Vincennes and New Harmony and then on to Carbondale,

Ill. They completed their trek at the International Society of

Arboriculture's Annual Conference in St. Louis, Mo. on July 26.



    The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company is another long-time sponsor of

the TREE Fund Tour des Trees. Regional sponsors included Wright Tree

Service and the Indiana Arborist Association.

    About the TREE Fund:



    The TREE Fund's mission is to identify and fund projects and programs

that advance knowledge in the field of arboriculture and urban forestry to

benefit people, trees, and the environment. The TREE Fund has supported

research that has led to important developments in:






    -- Understanding air pollution reduction and carbon sequestration by trees

    -- Determining the costs and benefits of urban trees

    -- Improving conditions for tree growth in difficult sites

    -- Strategies to manage diseases and pests that affect urban trees



    For more information, please visit http://www.tourdestrees.org.