Academy Field Gets Three New Trees

The three young trees planted near Academy Field recently are small, but someday, they will grow up to 70 feet in height, casting shade on the ground below.

The trees — two Princeton elms and one linden — were put in the ground by members of the East Greenwich Tree Committee and were donated by the Rhode Island Tree Council.

It’s the second such planting by the committee and it won’t be the last. The town is working to earn East Greenwich the coveted Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation, and not just for bragging rights.

“Many street trees have reached or are nearing the end of their natural lives,“ stated an East Greenwich Tree Committee release. “We are working with the town to map the trees and decide where new trees are needed, as well as to provide a resource for residents in helping them decide what trees would work best on their properties,” stated an East Greenwich Tree Committee release.

There are a lot of reasons why rebuilding the town’s urban forest is important. Along with providing cool shade, trees block brutal winds in winter, absorb carbon dioxide, clean the air, provide habitat for birds and other creatures and can instill a sense of civic pride.

The first committee planting was in front of the police station in September of 2014. There, three crabapple trees were planted to frame the front of the relatively-newish building.

The EG Tree Committee is looking for new members and meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

For more information, email eastgreenwichtrees@gmail.com