WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – On Aug. 3, with partners TreeUtah and UCAIR, Ivory Homes kicked off the effort to plant 30,000 trees throughout Utah by replacing a local family’s tree that was destroyed by a drunk driver in West Valley.

"We're just so appeciative of Ivory homes and their tree campaign. We were so shocked and disapppointed when the incident happened — to have that negative turned into something so positive is beyond great," said Jamie Blanchard, the homeowner. "We hope others will reach out and really make this a community driven effort.

The Blanchard family stands in front of their home in West Valley City.

The 30,000 Tree Initiative, which was launched on Earth Day in April of 208, seeks ito help create a lasting impact by improving roadsides, ecological environments and public green spaces. Along with replacing the tree destroyed by the drunk driver, Ivory Homes also replaced two additional trees at the Blanchard's home. 

A drunk driver destroys the Blanchard's tree in their front yard.

The 30,000 Tree Initiative is also part of an extensive effort for Ivory Homes to become an eco-friendly and more sustainable builder. Ivory Homes was recently selected to recieve the "Your Utah, Your Future" award by Envision Utah for striving to reduce emissions produced by residential living.

"We're thrilled to kick off our 30,000 Tree Initiative and help Jamie and her family," said Clark Ivory, CEO of Ivory Homes. "This was a really unique and unfortunate circumstance. We're glad everyone is safe and ultimately, we're excited to make a lasting impace on our state's quality of life and thank Utahns for helping us remain number on for the past 30 years."

Home owner Jamie Blanchard is assisted by TreeUtah aborist Nicholas Dankers to ensure optimal tree survival.

Ivory Homes is actively seeking ideas and proposals for significant planting projects and locations from Utahns, other corporate partners and communities from across the state at its website: www.ivorygreen.com.

“It’s always great the community impact a tree can make, but especially the individual impact for this family. We’re really happy they reached out,” said Amy May, Tree Utah executive director. “TreeUtah is delighted to partner Ivory Homes, UCAIR and citizens throughout the state to improve Utah’s quality of life for present and future generations by enhancing the environment through tree planting, stewardship and education.”

In total, 20,000 trees will be gifted to communities across the state with an additional 10,000 planted in new and existing Ivory Homes' communities. Priority will be given to nominations that benefit the broad community and have a lasting impact by improving schools, parks, roadsides, ecological environments and public green spaces.

“The timing of this kick off is great, as we all know the state struggles with summer ozone issues that diminish our air quality and trees can make a real positive impact on that,” said Thom Carter, UCAIR executive director. "In our efforts to improve our air quality there are no perfect answers, but there are practical solutions – one of which is Utahns actively participating in this great initiative.”

About TreeUtah: TreeUtah is a statewide 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to improve Utah’s quality of life for present and future generations by enhancing the environment through tree planting, stewardship, and education. TreeUtah has planted more than 370,000 trees with the help of over 155,000 volunteers and donors around Utah. More information is available at www.treeutah.org.

About UCAIR: UCAIR is a statewide clean air non-profit partnership created to make it easier for individuals, businesses, and communities to make small changes to improve Utah’s air. Every small change adds to a collective bigger step toward better health, a better economy and better overall quality of life for all of us. Find out more about how you can make a difference by visiting www.UCAIR.org.

More information about this tree planting can be found here.