ASHFIELD — The town Energy Committee, Citizen’s Climate Lobby and the First Congregational Church of Ashfield are inviting the community to talk about trees, why they are important and what can be done to protect them.

“Forests as Climate Solutions: Proforestation, Land Conservation and Climate Smart Forestry Practices,” a presentation with climate scientists and forestry specialists, is set for Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m. at Town Hall.

“Our mission is to help the town implement programs and policies to support the reduction of greenhouse gasses,” said Energy Committee Chair Alexandra Osterman.

As part of this mission, the Energy Committee is discussing the importance of forest protection so that the trees can continue removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“We have a lot of forest here in Ashfield,” Osterman said. “We need people to think about how we can be good stewards of this land.”

The “Forests as Climate Solutions” talk will include presentations from four experts.

William Moomaw, professor emeritus of international environmental policy at Tufts University’s Fletcher School and a visiting scientist at Woodwell Climate Research Center, will detail how forests are good for the environment and help cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

Dicken Crane, Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts board chair, will discuss how forests can be safely cut to support other human endeavors while maintaining tree populations that can manage carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas levels.

Sally Loomis, Hilltown Land Trust executive director, will share different options for landowners and what residents can do to protect their forests.

Additionally, Mary Wigmore of Wigmore Forest Resource Management will speak about forestry and landscaping methods that can balance landowners’ goals with tree removal while also maintaining healthy and resilient canopies.

Osterman said forest protection is “quite a complex issue” so the Energy Committee was determined to find speakers that can highlight different perspectives. There will be time for audience questions after the presentations.

According to Osterman, the Sept. 14 event represents the Energy Committee’s first foray into discussing trees. If all goes well, members may organize other events in the future, including more educational events and discussions as well as hands-on programs and forest walks.

For more information about the event, email energy@ashfield.org.

Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com.