Arbor Day Trees

Photo By Lynne Graves
Art + Entertainment + Music

The City of Northampton Department of Public Works (DPW), the City's Urban Forestry Commission, and Tree Northampton volunteers are geared up for a celebration of trees this Arbor Day week. The City will be providing 500 free tree whips to the public in front of City Hall on Friday, April 30, 2021, from 8 am-2 pm and on Saturday, May 1, 2021, from 8 am-12 pm. Educational materials and facts about trees will be provided with each tree whip, and the giveaway will be held rain or shine. Additionally, dozens of volunteers are planting an estimated 65 new public shade trees in several areas of the city. The free tree whip giveaway encourages residents to plant and care for trees. Five tree species will be available, including Persimmon, White Oak, Sweet Gum, Chokecherry, and Douglas Fir "Lincoln". Each of these species provides important ecological benefits, from reducing stormwater runoff and providing food for wildlife and pollinators to protecting pedestrians and motorists from the sun. The trees will help mitigate the effects of climate change. "Planting trees is a chance to express hope for the future, achieve canopy renewal, and focus people on the well-being of our community. These events give residents the chance to plant trees and to learn about how to care for the trees around them", said the City's Tree Warden, Rich Parasiliti, Jr. "I encourage residents to join us in this important initiative to transform our City's urban forest". Tree Northampton volunteers, students from UMASS, and many residents have been working with the City's DPW to plant a shipment of bare root trees, which arrived earlier this week. Bare root trees are highly economical and lightweight for ease of handling but require planting within days of arrival. Arbor Day plantings will take place on Industrial Drive, Maynard Road, Elm Street, Woods Road, and in the South Street area. On Saturday, May 1, 2021, and on Saturday, May 15, 2021, there will be a neighborhood planting in the South St area which represents a collaborative effort between the City and South Street neighborhood residents. The City proudly celebrates Arbor Day by renewing and preserving the City's urban tree canopy. For Additional Information, contact: Rich Parasiliti, Jr., Tree Warden 413-587-1570 Ext. 4317