They are named after trees for crying out loud. How much more do you need to know to understand that these folks not only love the environment but are dedicated to doing something better.

To help bring some awareness and to celebrate environmental sustainability the brewery is hosting a week-long celebration that includes their yearly tree sapling giveaways, educational opportunities, and a whole slew of family-friendly activities. It is not just their taproom that is getting in on the action, either – they are working on events throughout their whole footprint in Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee too.

Why You Should Care

It is absurd that I have to write this paragraph… but I do. We are terrible, the human race. Seemingly determined to destroy the very planet that sustains us with the mindset of if it does not happen in my generation, I don’t care – and if something doesn’t change, well – change is inevitable. It is all a matter of what that change looks like, and what it means for people attempting to live here on earth. Unfortunately, not everyone takes these issues as seriously as they should.

The people who are taking these issues seriously though are beginning to make real changes.

Planting trees has been shown to be a low-tech, sustainable, and possibly the most effective thing that we can do to fight climate change – and MadTree has dedicated themselves to trying to do their part. The brewery has given away 15,000 tree saplings over the past few years as part of its program to make a difference.

Urban Reforestation

Before we dig too deeply into the events themselves, I wanted to also point out the recent work that MadTree has begun with the Arbor Day foundation on an Urban Reforestation project at Clifton’s Mt. Storm park which is scheduled to take place later this summer.

This project will involve planting more than 150 trees to renew the original aesthetic vision for the park. It will also allow the park to once again serve as a wonderful respite for the local community and reconnect guests with nature and all it’s benefits.

This is happy stuff, and the little pieces of the puzzle that make me fall in love with the industry over and over.

The Events

You can (as always) find the latest events by following MadTree taproom on Facebook where they post everything that?s going on in their Oakley headquarters for you to share with all your friends – but as for this sustainable week? Here?s what you need to know:

  • Monday, April 22nd – The brewery is unveiling a living wall installation, which was created by local non-profit Urban blooms/GROW Cincinnati. It?s a unique project in that it not only provides what they are calling a breathtaking visual display, but it also improves air quality, absorbs sound and helps support a local organization. The display will be unveiled at 5pm, and Parks and Rec themed trivia starts at 7pm.
  • Tuesday, April 23rd – Sadie Blossoms Plant Bar supporting the Arbor Day foundation. You can purchase a pre-made succulent plant garden, or build your own – and part of the proceeds will be donated to the Arbor Day Foundation. This goes from 5-8pm.
  • Wednesday, April 24th – Great Parks of Hamilton County and the Civic Garden Center are hosting a wildlife encounter along with a presentation. You can come see a live barn owl and learn more about urban reforestation initiatives from 5-8pm
  • Thursday, April 25th – This is zero waste night. All of the waste generated in the taproom will avoid a landfill and instead be composted, recycled or reused. 5-8pm
  • Friday, April 26th – Plastic Carrier Recycling Drive. Bring in a plastic six or four pack topper and receive 40% off of one MadTree merchandise item. This goes all day and is an insanely good deal, especially knowing how many of these litter garage floors around Cincinnati.
  • Saturday, April 27th – Sustainable craft, brewery tours and sapling giveaways. ArtsConnect is hosting sustainable crafts for kids from 11am-2pm and you can join a free sustainable brewery tour every hour from 11-1pm

The Sustainable Beer

In addition to their efforts to promote sustainability, you also know that it wouldn?t really be MadTree if they didn?t also brew up something special to mark the occasion. The brewery is tapping a new beer that features ingredients that aren?t just locally grown, but done so sustainably. The beer includes:

  • Barley from Origin Malts in Columbus
  • Hops from Knauss Hops from Lykens
  • Honey from Carriage House Farms in North Bend
  • Spicebush Berries from Integration Acres in Albany.

The beer, called Home Grown is a 4.6% ABV Saison that the brewery says is crisp and refreshing with very low bitterness.

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