Published: September 20, 2009 09:43 pm      

Tracks to Trees

CSX helps transform asphalt into green space

A Bob Dylan/Joni Mitchell song popular nearly 40 years ago lamented that, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot,” reflecting upon a development phenomenon that could be sympathized with by many of us who are old enough to remember it.

CSX Corporation is now partnering with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to help reverse that trend. Launching its “Trees for Tracks” initiative, CSX will assist in transforming an asphalt playground at Philadelphia’s Albert M. Greenfield School into what’s described as “a safe and green space.”

Over the next five years, CSX plans to plant 21,000 trees — one for each mile of CSX track. It will plant 26 trees at the Greenfield school to help create a living classroom for more than 500 students, providing them an immediate connection with the environment and enhancing the school’s science program.

There was a time when American industry was more than willing to sacrifice the environment in exchange for profit. For the communities and individuals whose economic well-being depended upon those industries, it didn’t seem to be an unreasonable concept.

However, times and attitudes change, as has the technology associated with industry. Many large corporations, including CSX, are devoting a lot of ingenuity and dollars to cleaning up their acts. Two years ago, CSX found a way to cut its heating costs by heating its railroad shops with the 18,000 gallons of waste oil it generated weekly that otherwise had to be removed and disposed of.

CSX officials say their corporation is committed to making a positive impact on the areas in which it does business. The trees will improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, provide noise buffers, improve wildlife habitats and add an element of beauty to these communities.

Thanks to CSX for helping to turn parking lots (and playgrounds) back into paradise.