GREENFIELD — Saturday will be tree planting day in the Orchard Street neighborhood of Greenfield, and the public is invited to lend a hand between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Since last summer, the Greenfield Tree Committee has been working with residents of Spring Terrace and Crescent and Orchard streets, hoping to plant about 20 trees to beautify the neighborhood.
“I love large trees!” said Mieke Bomann of Orchard Street. “I have two huge oak trees in my yard, which I love. I am happy to be a part of the effort to add more trees to the neighborhood and the town.”
Anne Platzner, who moved to Spring Terrace last year, said she was dismayed that there were only two trees on the entire street when she moved in, and one has now died. “I’ve really enjoyed going door to door and getting to know my neighbors. I look forward to seeing more trees line the street, creating more native habitat and cooler streets and yards in the summer.”
This is the fourth neighborhood planting taken on by the Greenfield Tree Committee in recent years. It is actively looking for people who are interested in seeing more trees planted in their neighborhood, and who would like to work with them on that effort. Past plantings have been on Haywood, Hope, Washington, and Pierce streets and at Oak Courts.
Concerned residents formed the committee about 10 years ago to improve the quality of life in Greenfield. It raises money, and does independent plantings to augment tree plantings by the city. The goal is to see 500 trees planted over a 10-year period.
On Saturday, people, including Boy Scout Troup 5, will gather at 9 a.m. at 30 Spring Terrace to get organized. Before setting out, a Greenfield Tree Committee member will demonstrate how to plant a tree at the right depth, ensure the roots are spread out and not going around in circles, and that the tree is watered and mulched properly. Volunteers will then work in groups of two or three. Tools will be available, but volunteers are asked to wear sturdy shoes, bring their own work gloves and if they have them, shovels, tarps and 5-gallon buckets. The committee asks that volunteers sign up in advance, if possible, through the Facebook page at facebook.com/Greenfieldtree or by calling Nancy at 774-5667. Heavy rain cancels. If in doubt, check the Facebook page. A rain date will be posted.