Little Rock, AR ( 5 August 2005 ) The E.N.A.C.T. (Enhancing Neighborhood and Community Trees) planting program this year will include trees grown at the city’s Urban Tree Farm. These two year old, containerized trees include flowering dogwood, silky dogwood, redbud, willow oak, bald cypress and American sycamore.

The E.N.A.C.T. program provides trees or funds to neighborhood and community groups to plants trees along city streets and public parks. “It’s a great program to encourage neighbors to get out and work together to beautify their part of Little Rock.” Says Peter Rausch, Urban Forester. During lasts year’s planting season, these neighborhood groups planted nearly 600 trees in the city and that really helps make a difference, Rausch states.

The Urban Forestry Division of Little Rock Parks and Recreation will be sponsoring a workshop for registered Neighborhood and Property Owner’s Associations, and registered non-profit community organizations. This workshop will be to review tree planting plans, planting guidelines, application procedures and provide an overview of the 2004 – 2005 E.N.A.C.T. Tree Planting Award Program.

Where: Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 12th and Pine St., room 105

When: Saturday, August 20, 2005, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Space is limited, RSVP to Peter Rausch @ 374.8733 with attendee name or if you have any questions.

For more information regarding planting utility compatible trees, contact Peter Rausch, Urban Forester with Little Rock Parks and Recreation.

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Little Rock Parks and Recreation (LRPR) oversees 53 parks, seven community centers, the Adult Leisure Center, War Memorial Fitness Center, four swimming pools, two tennis centers, the River Market, the Riverfest Amphitheatre, three golf courses, and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. The agency also administers the urban forestry program and offers a catering service. The LRPR system includes more than 5,000 acres of designated parks and open space. In addition, the organization offers a wide-range of youth and adult recreational and sports leagues, after-school and summer playground programs for children ages 6-15, outdoor recreation, therapeutic recreation and programs for seniors. LRPR, which employs more than 350 dedicated and experienced people, is one of 31 organizations in the United States to be accredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies through the National Recreation and Park Association. Through collaborations with citizens, community organizations, and corporate and government entities, LRPR is working to make Little Rock a “City in a Park.” Contact us at cityparks@littlerock.gov.