Village of Champlain adds maple trees to streetscape

CHAMPLAIN | A small park in a historic corner of the village here will be a little greener in the spring. Village of Champlain Mayor Janet McFetridge and Town Supervisor Tom Trombley joined the newly organized Climate Smart Task Force to plant two maple trees in a new pocket park. A crowd of about 20 gathered to help get the trees into the ground on Saturday, Nov. 15. The initiative was supported this year with a $1,000 New York State Urban Forestry Council Tree City USA Reward Grant. Champlain became part of Tree City USA about seven years ago, McFetridge said. The designation is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to municipalities that actively work to maintain tree care and management with an urban forestry program. The village is facing the loss of the large ash tree population, as Emerald Ash Borer infestation has destroyed many of the large, graceful trees with branches that provide shade and beautify the streets. "We are removing the dead and diseased ash trees," McFetridge said. "I think the village had around 40. People who come back home after many years often remember the tree-lined streets." The community planted maples in the new pocket park, which sits in a quiet area near the former grange hall and a stately church, both buildings now provide housing. "Planting a tree is more than putting a sapling in the ground," Trombley said. "It's planting hope for the future." Trombley connected their simple act of planting trees to the larger picture. "In a world facing climate challenges, each tree is a small but powerful act of resistance and renewal. Trees are nature's silent guardians, they clean our air, cool our cities and shelter countless species." Keeping an eye on the nature of nature in their town, leaders were joined by newly sworn-in Assemblyman Michael Cashman, who helped set one of the trees in place and met with community leaders afterward. Trombley said tree planting in Champlain is appreciated by local residents. "Let's make tree planting a habit, not just an event." The Village of Champlain began exploring the state's Climate Smart Community program last summer. Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) Carlie Leary outlined New York State's Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) at a meeting in June, noting that the village has already pursued initiatives that are designating criteria. Leary helped plant the trees on Saturday. McFetridge said the Task Force has just formed, and its members helped plant the maple trees. The village and the town both initiated food-scrap collection programs this year. In addition to Tree City designation, they maintain miles of community recreation trails and are working on a comprehensive land-use plan.

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Village of Champlain adds maple trees to streetscape

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