Fight climate change and beautify Middletown and Portland, Connecticut, by contributing to plant trees.
Leader
John Hall
Location
Middletown and Portland, CT Middletown, CT 06457
The City of Middletown has been losing trees at a rate of approximately 100 per year, and that's just the trees on public property. The situation in Portland is probably the same. Middletown's current budget for tree planting is $8500 per year. The Jonah Center and Urban Forestry Commission are collaborating on a campaign to increase the city's tree-planting budget by $50,000, to a total of $58,500. In the course of this campaign, we heard from some concerned citizens who want to donate their own money to plant trees. We were in the midst of figuring out how to set up a way to receive those donations when we heard about Sustainable CT's program to match community-generated funds through IOBY. Because the Jonah Center is active in both Middletown and Portland, we welcome donations to plant trees in either municipality, based on the residence of the donor.
While we have not yet selected sites for new trees, we will give priority consideration to: Middletown's North End where the tree canopy is less than other parts of the city; high visibility commerical corridors; and areas near Portland's town center where trees were recently removed due to age, disease and/or the installation of new sidewalks.
May - August 2020 -- Select sites for new trees and obtain permissions and clearance from municiipality related to overhead and underground utilities. Plan for purchase of trees from wholesaler and planting with reputable tree planting contractors.
September - October 2020 -- Plant trees, mulch, install water bags and arrange for refilling.
The rate of tree loss in Middletown and Portland in recent years is alarming and sad. Even if we begin replanting now, it will take years to restore our declining urban forest. If we delay action, the situation may become extremely difficult to overcome. We are passionate about trees and we know that many of our friends and neighbors are passionate too. The beauty, shade, majesty, and long lifespan of trees are inspiring, comforting, and hope-giving. What better legacy can any of us leave behind on this earth than to plant a tree. Let's plant lots of them.
Scientists, social psychologists, medical professionals, and urban planners all know that trees are essential to our quality of life and provide many documented benefits, including carbon absorption, air cooling, removal of air pollution, improved physical and mental health, enhanced beauty, increased property values, and reduced crime. An article in the Hartford Courant describes these benefits. Also, here is a link to a DEEP page on the many benefits of trees.