Spring 2017 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
We write to welcome the Spring Equinox and to share the accomplishments of our first year as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) resource for tree-related community service in Provincetown. Protection of our community trees is the mission of Trees Provincetown. We’ve been busy laying the groundwork for this critical role. We’re thrilled with our progress, and can’t thank you enough for your enthusiasm and support for our vision and activity.
Here are the most important things we’ve done:
We know that the simple act of caring for trees improves life on earth and in this town. We’re excited about what we are doing in our community, and thank you again for your interest and support.
With kind regards,
Margaret Murphy
Founder and President
Dear Friends,
We write to welcome the Spring Equinox and to share the accomplishments of our first year as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) resource for tree-related community service in Provincetown. Protection of our community trees is the mission of Trees Provincetown. We’ve been busy laying the groundwork for this critical role. We’re thrilled with our progress, and can’t thank you enough for your enthusiasm and support for our vision and activity.
Here are the most important things we’ve done:
- Kick-Off Planting and Picnic: We planted our first tree in May 2016, a star magnolia, at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, and had a picnic lunch to celebrate its appearance and ours. Guests included the Provincetown Tree Warden, the Chair of the Provincetown Beautification Committee, the person who has passed the baton to us for caring for trees in town – Barbara Rushmore – our landscaper advisor, Tim Callis, and many other friends and supporters.
- Tree Bylaw: At the request of Rich Waldo, Provincetown Tree Warden, we took the lead in drafting a tree bylaw to establish standards for the planting, pruning and removal of community trees in town. We did this in partnership with Rich and John Krajovic, a landscape architect on the Provincetown Beautification Committee. Over 100 years ago, the Commonwealth adopted a statute for the protection of public shade trees, now known as Massachusetts General Law Chapter 87. In modern times many Massachusetts towns, with encouragement of the State Department of Conservation and Recreation, have adopted local tree ordinances to tailor Ch. 87 to the goals of their community. This is what our proposed bylaw is meant to do for Provincetown.
- Bylaw Approval: Starting in May 2016, we presented the bylaw to people in town government for their comments and endorsement. The bylaw is now on the April 2017 Town Warrant, unanimously endorsed by the Board of Selectmen, the Beautification Committee, the Conservation Commission, the Town Planner, the Planning Board, and the Recreation Commission. Here is a summary of the bylaw.
- Annual Appeal: We held our first fundraising event in late 2016, sending a letter of appeal to friends and colleagues in Provincetown and on the Outer Cape. It was a wonderful success, raising enough funds to see us through our 2017 activities. In our first year we’ve also received many thoughtful and generous in-kind contributions. A huge thank you to all for your generosity and good wishes!
- Community Center Tree Plantings: The old Community Center in Provincetown, which has been vacant for 8 years, is being converted into a creative arts center called Provincetown Commons. In 2016 a majestic old elm on the property was removed as a hazard. To replace this beloved but bygone beauty, Trees Provincetown is planting two new shade trees for the arts center, in collaboration with the Tree Warden and the Board of Selectmen. Stay tuned! If all goes well the trees will be planted this Fall and their shade and beauty will grace the town for generations to come.
- Tree Advisory Group: Passage of the tree bylaw will bring the creation of a tree advisory group to assist the Tree Warden in planting, preserving and protecting our community trees. The group’s first major endeavor will be drafting and publishing a tree management manual for the use of everyone in town. We expect that Trees Provincetown will be a key player in this effort.
- Volunteers: Many town residents have offered to volunteer for Trees Provincetown. We’re delighted to have the energy and ideas of everyone interested in furthering our mission. We’ll put out calls for help as we get more into planting trees and caring for trees and tree beds. Let us know if you’d like to volunteer at [email protected], if you haven’t already. Meanwhile, go to Town Meeting and cast your vote for the bylaw!
We know that the simple act of caring for trees improves life on earth and in this town. We’re excited about what we are doing in our community, and thank you again for your interest and support.
With kind regards,
Margaret Murphy
Founder and President