Imagine attending an event and helping to reforest the planet at the same time. That’s the vision behind the new Trees for Travel program here at Saint Paul RiverCentre.

Launched last month in partnership with Green Cities Accord, and as part of our organization's ongoing commitment to sustainability, this program offers the ability for event organizers to track carbon emissions from attendee travel and purchase Carbon+ Credits to offset those emissions, resulting in trees being planted across the Twin Cities. It’s a simple, impactful step toward a greener future, rooted in our own community.

The first event to participate in Trees for Travel was the McGough Construction Extended Leadership Team Biannual Meeting on April 15-16 at Saint Paul RiverCentre. "I know how sustainable RiverCentre is with their operations. It’s inherent in what you’re doing," McGough Sustainability Director Amanda Nonnemacher said. "It was exciting for us to have a partner that really believes in sustainability and brought this opportunity forward to us. This is a cool value alignment."

Reinvesting our sustainability efforts back into the community is a passion of ours. "We are excited to be working with Green Cities Accord on these important efforts," Minnesota Wild SVP of Facilities Jim Ibister said. "Staying local has always been an important factor when choosing our sustainability partners. We are very proud to be a part of the great work Green Cities Accord is doing to enhance the lives of people by protecting and growing the urban tree canopy."

Hear more from our Vice President and General Manager Kate Setley in an interview she did on FOX9 on Earth Day, as well as on KARE11.