The Impact of Communities Planting Trees
by Emily Whitney
How much of an impact can planting a tree really make? While we might not think about it much, trees are essential to the existence of life on Earth. They provide an ecosystem for forest-dwelling creatures. They act as homes for various species of lichen. And most importantly, they convert carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into oxygen. In addition, for people, trees can provide shade, purify polluted air, beautify communities, and sustain local wildlife.
With the goal of creating a tree-friendly town, the Sustainable Sharon Coalition (SSC), in collaboration with SSC Kids and SSC Youth, held its annual tree-planting ceremony in the spring on Saturday, April 23 at Deborah Sampson Park.
To understand how this program began and learn about its goals, I interviewed Kevin Weber, the Operations/Forestry & Grounds Division Supervisor for the Town of Sharon.
Kevin Weber demonstrates the most efficient way to plant a tree to attendees of the Annual Tree Planting, including members of the Sharon High School Environmental Club, the SSC, and other Sharon citizens. (Image by Kenneth Berman)
I started off by asking, “What is your role in the Annual Tree Planting?”
Here is what he said:
“As Tree Warden for the town, I am responsible for the protection of public trees throughout Sharon. I am also responsible for protecting the citizens from potential tree hazards.
Whenever we remove a tree in our town, it is our intention to replant another tree to maintain our tree canopy. Once a year, around Arbor Day/Earth Day, I will make a special effort to plant one or more trees as an example of our commitment to replanting whenever possible.”
Mr. Weber’s strategy for maintaining a stable tree population in our town is exceptional. It’s amazing that he puts in this effort to keep the members of our town safe while remaining committed to building the tree canopy and protecting the local environment.
It’s clear that Mr. Weber is very knowledgeable regarding the importance of trees for the health of the environment, so I asked him to talk about the impact of the Annual Tree Planting ceremony SSC continues to host.
Mr. Weber explained:
“Trees planted today do not survive as long as trees planted 20 or 30 years ago! Today, there are a number of stressors on trees that are having negative effects. This means that, aside from the town’s efforts, it is all of our responsibility to continue to plant trees in order to add to our tree canopy. This is true not only in Sharon but everywhere. If we all pitch in, it does make a difference.”
Mr. Weber suggests a broad perspective, “More than ever before, there is a great urgency to plant trees globally! This is because they are in great danger due to worldwide deforestation. Communities have great power and can initiate environmental acts such as planting trees which can have both local and broad impacts.”
In terms of the Tree-planting ceremony, I asked him more about the Commemorative Tree-planting Program. He clarified that it allows people to dedicate a tree to someone, with a plaque on the wall of the Town Hall. Though many people are unaware of the program, it is a great way to honor someone that has died, had a great impact on their community, or simply has done something very noble.
Finally, I asked him, “Why should people attend the tree planting ceremony?”
He responded:
“Attending a tree planting event allows those involved to take an active role in tree planting. You will learn the correct way to plant a tree and hopefully, that will excite you and involve you in being an advocate for continued tree plantings.”
This year’s tree planting was a big success. Both Sharon’s citizens and SSC’s members successfully planted two Sugar Maples and two Elms this year. Attendees enjoyed the hands-on experience of the tree planting process. In addition, David Berger, a tree booster in our town, received this year’s Lynn Wolbarst Award for helping to establish the Sharon Community Garden.
If you want to connect with the SSC community and get more involved with environmental projects, then the Annual Tree Planting might pique your interest.
Significant impacts can be made when communities come together to advocate for environmental needs and environmental justice. The bold ideas, successful collaborations, and community engagement that fuel events such as these are what will pay off in the long run!
To get more involved with SSC, we welcome you to:
Visit the youth committee page for more information about the tree planting event (on the SSC website). Additionally, you could donate to the fundraiser for our tree planting. Any support is appreciated!
Join the monthly SSC meetings to be up-to-date on climate advocacy in Sharon! More information about the meetings is provided on our Events page.
