Friends of Himmel Park Plant New Trees to Enhance Tucson’s Urban Green Space.
TUCSON, Ariz. — The Friends of Himmel Park, a community group dedicated to improving Himmel Park, has planted seven new drought-tolerant trees this fall. These trees replace those lost due to irrigation problems and extreme heat.
This planting is part of a larger plan to create a shaded walking path around the southern edge of the park. Molly McKasson, a member of the group, called this path “a beautiful addition” for visitors.
The new trees, which include native species like mesquite and palo verde, are designed to thrive in Tucson’s dry climate. Volunteer Vytas Sakalas emphasized the importance of drought-tolerant trees in building sustainable, shaded areas as temperatures rise and water becomes scarce.
Funding for the trees has come from donations collected by Friends of Himmel Park over the past few years. “People donated money for trees, and these trees are still funded by those donations,” McKasson explained. The project also received support from Tucson’s Parks and Recreation Department.
In addition to planting trees, volunteers work to maintain the park by removing invasive weeds like goat heads. Sakalas pointed out that these weeds could have overrun the park without ongoing community efforts.
Looking ahead, McKasson hopes the shaded walkway will provide an enjoyable space for residents throughout the city. “It makes me feel so happy that when I’m gone, the trees will still be here for people to enjoy,” she said, reflecting the group’s commitment to creating a legacy of green spaces in Tucson.
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