Ozark Beer Company aims to give back to Rogers residents with tree canopy project

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Tree restoration efforts are being made in the city of Rogers, and for many living there, the biggest relief from all the heat is now missing.

Due to the Memorial Day weekend tornadoes, hundreds of big, beautiful shade trees were either shredded or destroyed.

It’s going to take some time for the city of Rogers to recover. Rogers resident Hannah Smith said she’s being hit with an increased energy bill due to the loss of her trees.

“I’m definitely feeling the hurt of an increased energy bill, also kind of mourning the loss of these trees because you can see they’re massive,” said Smith

“For the folks that were in the path, this is a long-term rebuilding process,” said Lacie Bray, founder of Ozark Beer Company.

There were once two oak trees that used to canopy Smith’s front yard, creating shade her daughter could play in while avoiding the heat. Smith says that she might have to look into what Ozark Beer Company has as an option for Rogers residents.

“As a company when we’re trying to move forward and how to offer recovery for people, we came up with a canopy recovery where we brewed a beer called Limb by Limb. It’s an IPA, and all the proceeds from that beer are going to go to buying tree seedlings,” said taproom manager Amy Hearting.

“I think that’s really a beautiful thing, and I’m really grateful that NWA and Rogers itself is the community that has resources to help one another,” said Smith.

“For us at Ozark, we have realized that when we turn our eyes to our immediate community that gives us some sort of control in a way that we can give back,” said Bray.

For more information on the canopy project, click here. And if you’re looking for more help on re-planting some of those downed trees, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has some Tree recommendations.

The City of Rogers also has a list of Permissible Street Trees, and you can check out that list here.

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