Tree Conservancy Leaders Proud to Plant Trees and Protect Greenwich’s Urban Forest

Letter to the editor submitted by Cheryl Dunson andJoAnn Messina of Greenwich Tree Conservancy, Jan 8,2019

Cheryl Dunson and JoAnn Messina. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Greenwich Tree Conservancy is proud and pleased that First Selectman Peter Tesei has specifically named our organization as one which has contributed to the Town of Greenwich being awarded a Silver ranking, its highest, by Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative by Eastern Connecticut State University.

This initiative is designed to encourage towns and cities in the state to protect the local environment and build resilient local communities.

Many scientific research studies have discovered that when there are more green spaces, including grass, plants and trees in cities and towns, people are happier and have better mental health. Trees have the added advantage of reducing air pollution, providing shade, lowering energy costs and increasing property values. Now in the winter when trees are bare of leaves, people instinctively feel the loss.

With the help of the Town Parks and Recreation Tree Division , formerly headed by the now-retired Tree Warden, Bruce Spaman the Conservancy has been working for the last twelve years to fulfill its mission to plant and protect the urban forest of Greenwich.

Our successful partnership led to Greenwich’s recognition in 2017 from the national Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA.

In 2018 alone, the Conservancy planted over 400 trees on public and non-profit lands.

Perhaps most noticeable and notable, are the trees and green islands planted within and along side the Horseneck Parking Lot.

Now in 2019, we are planning to “green” more parking lots and roadsides in Greenwich, as well as educate residents through pamphlets and lectures about how to plant and care for trees on their own properties.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Dunson, President
JoAnn Messina, Executive Director