The MONOLITH Festival and title-sponsor Esurance recently released details of the 2nd Annual Monolith Festival Urban Reforestation Project. This year the project will focus on youth with a special tree-planting event in partnership with Denver non-profit organizations The Park People and Cerebral Palsy (CP) of Colorado.
On September 11 at 11:30 a.m., more than 570 children associated with CP of Colorado will gather at the CP of Colorado's new Vanguard Classical School campus in Denver to learn about urban reforestation through tree plantings and the benefits their actions have on the environment.
"It is extremely important for us to organize and participate in thought-provoking action events like this," says Monolith founder and director Josh Baker. "Since the inception of the festival in 2007, we have focused on producing an interesting and unique music festival that not only exceeds standards for an event's environmental impact but also gives back to the community around us. I couldn't be happier that this year our goals for environmental stewardship will be accomplished through one of Denver's largest youth oriented tree-planting events."
"We are thrilled to provide trees and support for this project that highlights the need to enhance Denver's urban forest and empowers youth to become stewards of the environment," says Paige Heydon-McCrary, Executive Director of The Park People. "This exciting event will provide kids from CP of Colorado an opportunity to learn about trees and how to plant them, and several students will have the chance to assist volunteers with the planting. The partnership is mutually beneficial for all of us and our community."
"The CP of Colorado recently created a campus on the decommissioned Lowry Air Force Base that will serve as a statewide hub from which services for individuals affected by disability, mental health, patient safety, integrated education from birth-8th grade and parent advocacy work radiates," says Judy Ham, President and CEO of CP of Colorado. Now that the physical infrastructure of the school is complete, we truly welcome the addition of some greenery to our growing campus."
This project is just one component of the MONOLITH Festival's ongoing efforts to green Colorado's urban landscape. The Park People also works with MONOLITH staff, Esurance, and Friends of Red Rocks to replenish native Rocky Mountain Juniper trees in the Red Rocks area.
Kristin Brewe, Esurance Director of Brand & Public Relations, stated, "Because Esurance is committed to safeguarding our environment, it is important to us that our sponsorship dollars not only help create an innovative music event like MONOLITH Festival, but also create a more sustainable event. Music is one of the most powerful ways people come together, and the experience is that much more powerful when we come together to bring positive change to our community and to the natural world."
The Ice Cream Man will supply refreshments while teams plant 12 Northern Catalpas to increase tree coverage in Denver. The popular eco-indie music sensation Cloud Cult will provide entertainment.
Event details are as follows:
Thursday, September 11
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
CP of Colorado - Vanguard Classical School campus
801 Yosemite Street
Denver, CO 80230
Please visit www.monolithfestival.com/greening for more information
