Once again, The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce  and it's Leadership Cheyenne class of 2012 are making great plans to improve our community. The class has announced their annual beautification project for the city!

The class of 2012 has partnered with the class of 2011, Cheyenne Light Fuel & Power, Rocky Mountain Landscaping, and the Cheyenne Cottonwood Society to bring to fruition the Leadership Cheyenne Class of 2012 Reforestation Project. This project's purpose is to plant trees, with a focus on the Plains Cottonwood, around the Cheyenne area in order to keep the city's "green" canopy. The Plains Cottonwood is the Wyoming state tree and grows faster and taller than any other local species of deciduous tree. As a native, it is less susceptible to drought, insects, or disease than other big trees. This project is different from the Lion's Park landscaping project designed to mitigate the loss of the trees in the park last year to accommodate the FAA requirements for the airport.

The first leg and the kick off date for the project will be Earth Day (April 22, 2012) at 10:30 a.m. and will entail the placement of 35 trees in David R. Romero Park. Leadership will also be holding a press conference to discuss the project in Romero Park on April 20 at 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will include Leadership Cheyenne class members, Cheyenne Light employees, Rocky Mountain Landscaping employees, local children, and staff with the Cheyenne Department of Urban Forestry.

After this project is completed, Leadership Cheyenne will continue to work with its partners to identify future sites around Cheyenne where reforestation is needed as well as to execute the projects.

Proceeds from the 2011 and 2012 "Bootification" Ball, as well as funds from the Cheyenne Light Power of Trees program, will be used to fund the project and Rocky Mountain Landscaping will be planting all of the trees. If you are interested in donating to the project or becoming a Boo Ball sponsor, please contact the Chamber.

For more information on the project or sponsorships, please contact Ashley Grad 307-638-3388 or Brad Whitman 307-638-8928.

About Leadership Cheyenne:The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce formed Leadership Cheyenne in 1985 with the goal of developing leaders for the future. The purpose of Leadership Cheyenne is to educate participants about the community and help them develop a desire and commitment for life-long civic trusteeship.

About Boo Ball: The Bootification "Boo" Ball is hosted by the most recently graduated Leadership Cheyenne class as their class project. This event is an annual fundraising event for a beautification project chosen by the class. It is held at the Holiday Inn on a Saturday before Halloween each October. Boo Ball is an adults only costume party with dinner, a silent auction, a costume contest, and a live band with dancing to end the evening. Average attendance is 300 people. This year's Boo Ball will be on October 20, 2012 and is presented by Dr. William Wyatt. For tickets or sponsorships, please contact the Chamber of Commerce.

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