Designed to increase awareness of the environment, Earth Day featured workshops on tree care and landscaping, children's story telling, free plants and tree care guides, and drawings for trees. Relocated from an area slated for commercial construction, to a new site in front of the Information Center, this tree has become a beloved community icon. Every new homeowner received a guide to caring for established trees after moving in, and Arborist Todd Watson has a monthly column in the residents' newsletter. Coles Crossing holds regular seminars with homebuilders and contractors to educate them on building in wooded areas. The developer reviews proposed site plans prior to construction, and makes changes wherever possible to save trees.
Tree planting is required after construction to ensure reforestation.
Guidelines specify a mixture of mostly hardwood trees of a minimum 4-inch caliper in size. Coles Crossing has realized that for tree preservation to be successful and sustainable, the entire community must be committed, including homeowners, homebuilders and contractors. By taking a strong leadership role, Coles Crossing has created a high level of awareness and excitement about trees. Coles Crossing has also taken extraordinary preservation measures. Tree feeding, surgery and cleaning up trees to reduce wind loads continue on a regular basis.