To the Editor:
In this transformative moment, for our directors, members and friends, grateful to all who continue the simple act of wearing masks, social distancing, performing hygiene protocols…for your caring actions protecting the safety, health, well-being of all those you engage…every day. We cheer our healthcare workers, researchers, teachers and our police and fire departments keeping us safe…all who have kept our Town vibrant and running smoothly.
We weren’t sure it could happen with this spring’s closures of nurseries and uncertainties in being able to plant new trees safely. Today, pleased to report, lining our streets, in our cemeteries and on private lands, Friends of Manchester Trees did plant 26 new trees partnering with our local arborists, our DPW, Tree Warden, Tom Henderson, led by Friends directors’ George Smith, Skylar Crofton, and Isabella Bates.
We started with Masconomo Park gaining replacements including Star Magnolias, Red Maples and a new Redbud. Lincoln and Pine Streets are now richer with Cleveland Pears; Union, Rosedale, and Pleasant Grove cemeteries are refreshed with a variety of species; Friend Street is home to a new American Elm, Cleveland Pear, and honoring Daniel F. Slade, an American Elm gracing Sweeney Park.
The evolving beautification of Town Common has been front and center for all of us to see. Partnering with Manchester Garden Club and the North Shore Horticultural Society whose resources will provide an array of shrub plantings seamlessly paired to the new arbor footprint of nine mature trees including Commemorative ones through Friends’ funding, yielding a park-like environment, an initiative to experience for generations…grateful for the opportunity.
Organized by citizens in 1973 as a local non-profit, responding to the demise of our majestic Elms the culprit Dutch Elms disease, two years ago we embarked on a mission to advocate for trees like never before. Friend’s directors have been researching, studying, listening, collaborating, crafting, refining, polishing the Town’s first Town Tree Policy. It’s taken time as we have resolutely solicited input and feedback from Town leadership, stakeholders with expertise, neighbors, et. al …for valuable guidance
It’s a policy that speaks for these silent powerhouses protecting their many virtues; the simple, healthful act of shading us, an essential habitat for birds and insects, cleansing our air to their legendary beauty, their bottom-line value for our homes. Of note, today the Mass Department of Environmental Management values our tree canopy at $16.5M. We aim to protect those assets.
Too long we have been without a written proclamation, a policy that defines a Town Tree, a Protected Tree and directives governing their planting, maintenance, removal, and replacement. This first-ever policy’s job is to codify, clarify and as appropriate, up-grade existing Town practices to ensure that our trees are now formally protected. Currently before our Board of Selectman, we are excited about the prospects for current and future generations of our trees, a well-deserved mutually beneficial relationship.
Learn more about Friends of Manchester Trees at getrootedmanchester.org, follow us on Instagram (getrootedmanchester), write to us at P.O. Box 103, Manchester, MA 01944, and we welcome your thoughts by contacting Su Mittermaier at smittermaier@hotmail.com.
Thank You!
Su Mittermaier
President, Friends of Manchester Trees
