Stonington Celebrates Earth & Arbor Day All Year Long

Partnership makes it possible! This Spring the Town has made major strides forward, planting nearly 150 trees, thanks to efforts from the Stonington Beautification Committee, Department of Public Works, our Tree Warden, First Selectman, and many additional donors, volunteers and additional town and school departments who make these special community projects possible.

Trees provide cooling and clean our air, they store carbon, capture stormwater, reduce energy costs and species loss.  They not only improve physical health, but mental health as well. Approximately 200 trees have been lost in recent years due to a variety of factors including disease, age or storm damage. It has been with all of this in mind, that Stonington has been focusing efforts on increasing its tree canopy around the community this Spring.

The Beautification Committee aligned with community partners this past Earth Day and Arbor Day, including Davis Standard employees, the First Selectman and Stonington High School students, to plant over 100 trees saplings in Spellman Park and at a Stonington Water Pollution Control Authority property. In addition to planting trees, volunteers also took part in a town-wide clean-up, collecting tons of garbage that could have ended up in on our streams and rivers. The committee has also been working to add more pollinating plants to many of our memorials and parks across Stonington. And they continue to come up with plans for the Fall and following Spring.

Thanks to a combination of funding, including funds from our town budget and grants received from Breezeline Communication, Stonington Rotary, and Stonington Garden Club, the Beautification Committee was able to work in partnership with Stonington Public Works and our Tree Warden to plant many native trees in our neighborhoods, town facilities and parks this Spring. Nearly 50 trees were planted, or will soon be planted, thanks to this ongoing effort.

The teams at Stonington Human Services, Stonington Public Schools and the Police Department have been partnering with the Department of Public Works, Beautification Committee, the Tree Warden, and Selectman’s Office to enhance the tree canopy on their properties as well.

Residents are encouraged to visit a local greenhouse or nursery and ask what pollinating plants you can add in your garden this season. Also consider planting a beautiful native tree in your yard this Fall!

Anyone interested in volunteering this summer to help water many of the new trees or flowering pots or interest in making a donation to the Stonington Beautification Committee Tree Fund, please email stoningtonbeautificaiton@stonington-ct.gov or send donation to Stonington Beautification, 166 South Broad St, Pawcatuck, CT 06379.

The Town welcome volunteers, donors, and ideas! Please reach out to the Beautification Committee or Selectman’s Office anytime.

Thank you for your support Stonington!

(See attachment for photos, along with the write-up.)