In an effort to rejuvenate the streets of Chehalis, the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team is in the process of adding trees along the downtown area.
Originally the volunteer-based team envisioned planting deciduous trees, but now they are considering evergreen trees. Deciduous trees are known for shedding their leaves in the autumn.
"We're are concerned that deciduous trees lose their leaves and will cause problems for clean up," Renaissance Team member Patty Kaija said.
Where deciduous trees will cause a mess of leaves, evergreens will require less maintenance and keep their needles year round, Kaija said.
Kaija, of Kaija's Garden and Pet, will be the main volunteer to plant the trees once a decision is made. She said the trees will be planted in pots and will add height to downtown Chehalis.
To help decide which trees to plant in Chehalis, the volunteers are looking to gather public opinion.
Along with Kaija, Renaissance chair Larry McGee and vice chair Allyn Roe will talk about the project and share drawings that show the Market/Boistfort intersection with various tree options at the Chehalis city council meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 23.
Lois Meyer, a local graphic artist who used to work for Disney, created the drawings.
Already, the volunteer participants have filled nearly 36 island on the streets with new soil and plants, including on Market Boulevard.
Since the Chehalis City Council approved the Renaissance Plan in 2009, local volunteers have worked to make Chehalis a more attractive place to live.
Along with the fresh soil and shrubs, the city replaced the irrigation system in the 400 and 500 blocks of Market Boulevard with a $20,000 Distressed Counties Fund Grant.
Kaija said the main purpose of the upcoming meeting is to find out how locals feel about one tree versus another.
