Montgomery Seeks Volunteers to Help Protect Township’s Trees
Nicholas Mistretta
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP — Township Committee member Mike Martin used his committee update at a recent Township Committee meeting to issue a public call for new volunteers to serve on Montgomery’s Shade Tree Committee, saying the group is looking to add three to four members.
Martin said he hopes more residents who care about preserving trees and the township’s natural character will step forward.
“Anybody who would love to preserve our trees [should] come out,” Martin said, adding that the more people know about the committee and its work, the better.
Committee Advises on Tree Policy, Preservation and Planting
The Shade Tree Committee is charged with preserving “patriarch trees and long-standing hedgerows to the extent reasonably possible” and promoting the planting of new trees to enhance residents’ quality of life, according to the township.
The Township Committee established the advisory body to provide ongoing guidance to officials and residents on:
- The planting and care of shade and ornamental trees
- The preservation of existing trees
- Tree-related policy, including review of development applications
The committee also collaborates regularly with the Parks Department, scouts, local businesses and other township committees on environmental and educational projects.
A Long Record of Planting and Enhancement Projects
Over the years, the Shade Tree Committee has been involved in a range of visible projects around town, including:
- Street tree plantings on numerous township roads
- Screening plantings at the Montgomery High School tennis courts
- Landscaping at the high school entry and frontage
- Enhancements to Town Hall landscaping
- Plantings at the Poor Farm Cemetery on Sunset Road
- Plans for the Senior Center garden
- Work at Harlingen Green and the Montgomery Arboretum of Native Flora
- Recreation of a wayside hedgerow at the realigned River Road
- Tree plantings within conservation easements
In addition to hands-on planting work, the committee reviews tree ordinances and related legislation to determine what applies to Montgomery and to recommend any desirable changes. It also prepares grant proposals to fund planting projects, and members attend continuing education courses and conferences to better serve the public.
Outreach, Awareness and How to Apply
Martin suggested that more public outreach could help fill the current vacancies, asking whether an article could be shared in local outlets to explain the committee’s mission and attract tree-minded residents.
“Is it possible if somebody can write an article … about explaining what the Shade Tree Committee is?” he asked, noting that residents who value trees might not be aware of the opportunity to get involved.
Township staff said Shade Tree Committee Chair John Waltz has already prepared material explaining the committee’s work, which can be shared on township social media and other platforms.
Residents were also reminded about the township’s weekly e-bulletin, which goes out every Thursday. The bulletin currently includes a call for Shade Tree Committee members with a link that describes the committee’s roles, duties and “fun activities and projects” in more detail.
Residents interested in being considered for a volunteer position are encouraged to use the township’s online volunteer application, available through the municipal website.
Martin said he hopes that by raising the committee’s profile, Montgomery can attract a new wave of volunteers who are ready to help protect and expand the township’s tree canopy in the years ahead.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com