MESA, AZ – (November 16, 2022) – Monsoon storms destroyed numerous trees at Mesa’s Historic Cemetery. NFL Green, the National Football League’s Environmental Program, teamed up with the City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department to replace many of those trees. On Saturday, November 19, 150 volunteers joined in the effort to plant 65 Cypress trees to replace those damaged by storms. The project will beautify the cemetery and provide shade to those visiting.
The NFL, the Arizona Superbowl Host Committee, Verizon, APS and Footprint developed a matching grant program to fund community greening projects throughout Arizona for Super Bowl LVII. Mesa chose the tree replacement project at the historic cemetery because of its importance to the local community. The Mesa Cemetery was established in 1891. The 72-acre property is rich with history. There is an area dedicated to Royal Air Force pilots who lost their lives while training to fight in World War II, and a section dedicated to those lost during the Great Depression. In addition to being the final resting place for thousands of people, famous individuals including Waylon Jennings and Mesa’s four “Founding Fathers” were laid to rest there.
SIGNIFICANCE: Nearly a dozen community greening projects will be implemented in the months leading up to Super Bowl LVII. They include tree plantings, community gardens, habitat restorations, and the planting of pollinator attracting plants, with the goal of creating a positive “green legacy” around Super Bowl.
About NFL Green
The National Football League has incorporated environmental projects into the management of special events for nearly 30 years. NFL Green is the NFL’s sustainability program which aims to reduce the environmental impact of events. These efforts include food recovery and distribution, recycling and solid waste management, recovery and donation of event and building materials, community greening and reforestation projects, the use of “green energy” to power events, and Super Kids-Super Sharing, a community initiative to help support local youth.
