Philadelphia launched an urban forest strategic plan in 2020 to create a healthy, equitable tree canopy.
The magic—and importance—of urban trees is undeniable. In November, the Stamford Board of Representatives passed Resolution No. 4159 To Better Manage and Care for Trees on City Property.
This resolution encourages Mayor Simmons and City Boards to allocate funds specifically for:
- a geographic information system (GIS) tree inventory to locate and identify existing trees on City Property.
- at least one water truck. Currently the City of Stamford does not own one. Watering newly planted trees for the first two years is vital to their survival.
- the purchasing and planting of new trees in the City's downtown areas in cooperation with Downtown Special Services District. This is the start. The goal is to plant trees throughout the city, especially in areas considered tree deserts, and in our city parks.
- hiring at least one additional Parks maintenance person to assist in watering newly planted trees and pruning others.
Pollinator Pathway Stamford supports the funding of this important resolution. We invite residents and students to voice their support by emailing the mayor.
Tree Facts: In 2020-2021, New Haven, area 20 square miles, planted 500 trees. Stamford, area 52 square miles, planted 102 trees (and removed 300.) The Nature Conservancy of CT's recent study of tree canopy coverage revealed significant tree disparity between the wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods. Trees capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, releasing oxygen in exchange. They cool our neighborhoods and filter impurities from entering wells and waterways.
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NON-NATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES
A Pesky Shrub that Ticks Just Love
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Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is, as its name suggests, not from North America. It was brought here in the 1800s as an ornamental woody plant that grows in dense stands 3-6 feet high. The invasive shrub competes with native trees and herbaceous plants in open and forested areas. The seeds are dispersed by birds, spreading, or "escaping," beyond landscaped plantings.
This aggressive invasive plant is also a tick magnet. White-footed mice, common carriers of the Lyme disease bacteria, often hide and nest in barberry's thorny branches. Juvenile black-legged ticks found in the dense foliage feed on the mice. Read multi-year Connecticut study on control of Japanese barberry and reduction of infected ticks.
Concerned about Lyme disease? Get rid of your Japanese barberry. Dig out larger plants and pull out small seedlings. Dispose of cut branches and fallen fruit in the garbage, not compost. Alternative native shrubs to plant: bayberry, inkberry, silky dogwood, summer sweet, winterberry, ninebark.
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SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 22 EARTH DAY
Kosciuszko Park Clean-up & Audubon Walk
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Our inaugural Earth Day clean-up last year drew over 100 residents of all ages to help beautify one of Stamford's hidden gems, Kosciuszko Park.
On April 22, from 10am-Noon, Pollinator Pathway Stamford will once again host this clean-up in partnership with the City of Stamford.
Stefan Martin of CT Audubon will be leading a guided tour on plants, trees, birds and butterflies in the park. Pollinator Pathway Stamford will be educating volunteers on invasive species and native plants found in the meadow, rock and butterfly gardens.
Join us! We'll meet near the pavilion. Wear a long sleeved shirt and pants. Bring a drink.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Would you like to help with our social media a few times a month? Join our steering committee? Sign up to work on future projects with us? Do you have other skills to offer? Get in touch!
PollinatorPathwayStamford@gmail.com
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