04/26/2024

On Arbor Day, SMC Corporation of America joined Mayor Chris Jensen and Noblesville Tree Board members to plant trees at Same As U, 19201 Promise Road. Same As U is one of the inaugural Noblesville Tree Planning Grant recipients.

The city and SMC have forged a strong partnership, harnessing the power of our community to drive economic growth, workforce development, and attraction strategies. This winter, we extended this collaboration to environmentalism, announcing plans for a tree-planting grant program to coincide with Earth Day and Arbor Day. The tree planning grant program is led by the Tree Board.

"Arbor Day is a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions trees make to our community," expressed Jensen. "I extend my gratitude to SMC Corporation of America and the Tree Board for creating this new avenue for collaboration, which will undoubtedly benefit our community and the sustainability of our natural resources for generations to come."

“SMC is committed to investing in the long-term sustainability of our community,” said SMC President and CEO Kelley Stacy. “We’re incredibly proud to partner with the City of Noblesville and the Tree Board to create equitable access to the benefits that trees and green spaces provide. From beautifying our city streets to reducing CO2, this grant will allow our neighbors to enjoy the amazing amenities that native species trees bring to our community.”

SMC Corporation donated $2,000 to the tree planting grant program, which has been matched by the City of Noblesville through Mayor Jensen and the Common Council. Additional inaugural grant recipients include Deer Creek Elementary School, Mill Grove, Deer Path, Oakmont, and Verdure Sciences.

“The Noblesville Tree Board is proud to partner with SMC and the community as we work to increase the tree canopy cover of our city. Trees benefit all Noblesville citizens with their ability to mitigate pollution, reduce flooding, lower energy costs and increase property values. We look forward to continuing this effort for years to come,” Tree Board President Ashley Mulis said.

Each recipient will receive five (5) 15- to 18-gallon native trees – approximately six to eight feet tall, water bags and mulch. Today’s planting at Same As U also included Mayor Jensen’s annual Arbor Day Proclamation, as the city marks 34 consecutive years of being named a Tree City USA recipient by the Arbor Day Foundation.

"Same As U is thrilled to be one of the recipients of the Noblesville Tree Planting Grant! Just like their peers without disabilities, our students are lifelong learners that care about the planet,” said Same As U Executive Director Jennifer Sell. “We are excited and grateful to have this opportunity to plant trees on Arbor Day. These trees will serve as the perfect segue to lessons on caring for our campus and community."