To the Editor
Between 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, and 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16, one of our recently planted trees was vandalized beyond saving. The main stem was broken off at the base, leaving a scar too big to heal, along with collateral damage to the remaining stems.
The tree was part of the Annual Spring Planting by the Friends of Manchester
Trees. In this case, it was a memorial to the deceased daughter of one of our own members and a long-time resident of Manchester.
The tree, a Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is rare in Massachusetts and occurs locally in the wild only in the Fowl Meadow Reservation in Canton and in Ravenswood Park near the village of Magnolia for which it was named.
To their credit, the police responded in person within minutes of our report and took down all the details, including some very clear evidence left by the perpetrator.
We have taken photos of that evidence and the police have taken their own, as well.
The damage occurred in a very public place: Masconomo Park, Day's Creek near the memorial bench where the path meets the sidewalk. If any of the manpeople that go by there saw anything, please report it as the police are taking it very seriously. Knowing when it happened also helps.
Since vandalism has occurred over past years as well, we, the Board of the Friends of Manchester Trees would appreciate vigilance by our fellow towns people by immediately reporting on their cell phones anything they might see happening. I suspect our wide public support would make this quite likely and just might prevent future loss of more $600 trees.
Sincerely,
George P. Smith, Manchester
