The mini grant recipient, East Central High School, lost nearly 20 Ash trees due to the devastation created by the Emerald Ash Borer. Taking Root awarded the mini grant recipients $1000 to help purchase native trees to replace the Ash trees. This project will continue East Central High School’s program EC Re-Leaf that started in 2017. The program encourages the planting of native trees and shrubs as well as the importance of plant pollinators in creating a healthy environment and improving the ecosystem for native wildlife species. The mini grant allows the recipients to encourage the removal of invasive species and educate people on why they should avoid the continuation of planting and maintaining such species.