Annual Tour des Trees comes to Ohio

Columbus, OH – With 25 years of tradition, Tour des Trees kicks off July 29 for a week-long event. About 75 cyclists will take part in the race, which starts in Columbus and loops through Akron, Cleveland and back. This year marks the first time the race will be held in Ohio in more than 20 years.

The 26th annual bike ride has been an important part of the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), a 501c3 charity devoted to sustaining the urban forest and funding research and education grants, to award more than $3.4 million in grants and scholarships since 2002.

Created in 1991 by arborists at the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) conference, this cycling event helps support scientific research on urban tree care, education related to trees and scholarships for aspiring tree care professionals.

“With funds raised by the Tour, TREE Fund researchers have discovered better ways to propagate, plant and care for urban trees,” said J. Eric Smith, TREE Fund president and CEO. “The Tour also funds programs to connect young people with the environment and foster careers in the green industries.”

While the goal is to raise money, the Tour also aims to engage the local community. The Tour provides education, events and community engagement.

The 2018 Tour des Trees runs July 29 to Aug. 4, with cyclists raising at least $3,500 each for TREE Fund.

A typical day will include three or four stops hosted by local tree stewards, tree plantings, book donations, and children’s environmental education program for local youth. Major events will also happen along the way:

• July 29 Columbus Tour send-off

• Aug. 1 Cleveland Public square event

• Aug. 4 Liberty Tree dedication at the Statehouse in Columbus

“Through our sponsorship of the Tour des Trees, Davey honors our Ohio roots and our founder’s passion for trees,” said Sandra Reid, vice president, corporate communications and strategic planning administration for The Davey Tree Expert Company. “We continue Mr. Davey’s commitment to the care, education and promotion of scientific research of trees.”

For more information on TREE Fund, click here.