Submitted by the Greenwich Tree Conservancy
So What’s the Greenwich Tree Conservancy done for you Lately?
Lots more than you would think in 2019.
First and foremost, the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, GTC, with the assistance of the Town Tree Department, has planted a record number of trees this year, over 500, the most ever in one year since the Conservancy’s inception in 2007, adding to the thousands already planted since then.
Planting trees in Greenwich is the first order of business for the Conservancy after which comes protecting them, by actively protesting the cutting down of trees by Eversource and developers, when for example, last January they protested against Eversource wanting to fell perfectly healthy trees as part of their tree cutting program.
They protested again when in July when there was a hearing on the cutting down of trees at Hamilton Avenue School by the Board of Education in order to extend the playing field, and an alternative to losing those trees was found which might not have happened if not for the Conservancy.
Also, as part of their educational mission to educate residents about the importance of having a healthy town forest, they sponsored a fascinating talk by the tree expert, Peter Wohlleben, “The Hidden Life of Trees” attended by over 400 people. In the spirit of “physical” tree education, the Conservancy sponsored two tree walks, one last October, partnering with the Greenwich Historical Society at the historic Putnam Cemetery and again in November at the newly improved Binney Park.
GTC launched its new “Treasured Trees” program inviting residents to nominate a “treasured tree” on their property whether it be because of the tree’s special history, memory, story and/or its size or shape.
GTC installed a nameplate on each tree and a framed photograph of the nameplate installation was given to each family at an October reception.
And if that weren’t enough, in November the Conservancy, in partnership with the Greenwich Land Trust, held a Chestnut tree harvesting event. Back in 2014 GTC had donated funds for the restoration of the American Chestnut Tree , a program of the American Chestnut Foundation.
Good things happened this past year for our town’s urban forest. For more info and offerings for 2020, visit www.greenwichtreeconservancy.org.