Did you know that planting trees, bushes and plants in your yard not only reduces stress but can also increase the value of your home by as much as 20 percent? It's true!

Sadly, Milwaukee lost more than 200,000 trees to Dutch Elm disease in the '60s, many of which were never replanted. In an effort to increase the tree population, a non-profit organization called Greening Milwaukee was formed and plans to plant hundreds of trees throughout the spring and summer.

The organization also created a CD magazine loaded with information that will be sent to thousands of Milwaukee homeowners this June. The interactive CD will feature detailed articles about tree planting and care and even provides visitors with the opportunity to receive a free tree. It also includes city services information along with local entertainment articles provided by OnMilwaukee.com that range from bar and restaurant reviews to recreation ideas.

"The citizens of Milwaukee will benefit the most from this project," says Joe Wilson, executive director of Greening Milwaukee Interactive. "We bring information that helps the homeowner have a greater awareness of the importance of trees and the environment around them."

Sonya Jongsma Knauss, editor of the Riverwest Currents, is also involved in the project, which was funded through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. After compiling information from numerous sources, Knauss wrote most of the editorial content to inform readers which trees grow the best in Wisconsin's climate, how deep to plant a tree, when and how to prune trees and much more. The disc also includes links to other tree and greening resources.

"As a person who grew up in a gardening and plant-loving family, I thought I was fairly well-informed about trees. I assumed they were pretty easy to take care of and they can be -- if you know what you're doing," says Knauss.

The CD also includes information detailing the positive impact greenery has on people and communities. Various studies suggested that plants and trees can reduce crime and violence in fledgling neighborhoods, and that children who are exposed to greenery perform better in school. Plus, according to the DNR and MMSD, trees can soak up rainwater runoff that would otherwise flood sewers and cause backups or overload Milwaukee's deep tunnel system.

"This CD is a good thing for Milwaukeeans because it brings the power and resources of the Internet directly to them with out having to spend hours using search engines to find out more about sustaining the quality of life in Milwaukee through greening efforts," says Wilson. "It also relays information that is resourceful with the added value of linking to the Internet effortlessly."

If you own a home, be sure to look for the Greening Milwaukee CD this June. It will be distributed in several ways, including door-to-door distribution and direct mail to Milwaukee residents.

For more information about the Greening Milwaukee project call (414) 273-TREE(8733).