Key Dates
Lynn Tree Committee Information Session
We are excited to invite you to a Lynn Tree Committee Information Session this Thursday, September 19, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm online via Zoom.
The goals of this session are to:
- Review the results of the Lynn Tree Committee Interest Form, which was open 8/5/2024 – 9/13/2024, and which resulted in a fantastic collection of ideas for forming the committee.
We extend a huge thank you to each of you who submitted a response! Everyone is invited to attend this info session; it is not required that you filled out the interest form to attend. Results will be summarized and synthesized, and will remain anonymous. - Discuss next steps and a timeline for forming this advisory group, which will be a great way to collaborate as we craft Lynn’s first Urban Forest Plan
This virtual meeting will be recorded, and both the recording and presentation slides will be posted here after the session takes place.
Seeking Responses! Lynn Tree Committee Interest Form
The Interest Form was open 8/5/2024 through 9/13/2024, available in English and Spanish, and received over 35 separate responses.
We planned an information session about the formation of the Tree Committee following the closure of the form. All respondents to the interest form who provided contact information were invited to that session.
Fill out this form to let the City of Lynn know your thoughts on a Tree Committee!
Formulario de Interés del Comité de Árboles de Lynn
What is a Tree Committee? A Tree Committee is a local citizen-led group that works with public officials to improve the health of the urban forest (trees in the city) through advocacy, education, management, plantings, and/or maintenance activities. Not every municipality has one, and in those that do, they can be set up differently.
Learn more here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/tree-boards-and-committees-fact-sheets/download(External link)
Examples of Tree Committees:
- Boston Urban Forestry Advisory Committee
- Brookline Tree Planting Committee
- Lynnfield Tree Committee
- Swampscott Tree Committee
Have a question or concern? Contact Erica Holm, Urban Forestry Fellow, at eholm@lynnma.gov or 781-586-6729.
Lynnside Out
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson turned City Hall Lynnside Out again this year!
🗓️ Saturday, Sept 7th (11am-3pm)📍Frederick Douglass Park
There was a fantastic festival to connect with City departments on upcoming initiatives and projects that matter most to you.
The Planning Department tabled at the event and the Urban Forestry Fellow talked with folks about where they'd like to see urban forestry improvements.
MTWFA Field Day
Lynn's Urban Forestry Fellow, Erica Holm, and Tree Foreman, Efres Perez, were excited to head down to the Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Foresters Association Field Day in Plympton, MA on August 22.
We attended educational sessions on invasive species, work zone setup, tree selection and placement, and electrification of tree tools.
Webinar: UEC - Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
The Urban Ecology Collaborative learned from Brian Crooks in his talk exploring his "Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Process," a qualification that he describes as the best professional development he has achieved in his career yet, on Wednesday, August 21, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Zoom.
Abstract: Brian's talk covered the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, sharing insights and applications from his role as a Community Forester in Western Pennsylvania.
Presenter Bio: Brian Crooks is a Community Forester, ISA-certified arborist, and TreeVitalize Pittsburgh GIS Coordinator. He provides technical and logistical support for tree plantings across Western Pennsylvania and holds a B.S. in Forest Science from Penn State. After nine years at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and six years as Director of the Oakmont PA Shade Tree Commission, Brian recently earned his ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. Brian is also an arborist with Overstory.
Webinar: Urban Forest Connections - Using Tree Canopy to Cool Communities
Please join us at 1pm ET on Wednesday Aug 14. Meeting information can be found here: https://research.fs.usda.gov/products/multimedia/webinars/heat-using-tree-canopy-cool-communities
2024 Liberty Tree Day Celebration & Planting
Liberty Tree Day honors the first public shade tree planted in 1646. The community was celebrated by planting a new American elm tree, hearing Mayor Nicholson's Liberty Tree Day remarks and proclamation, and exploring a table of tree resources. Special thanks to City of Lynn staff, the DCR Greening the Gateway Cities Program, donated work from Bartlett Tree Experts, Salem State University, and Wagon Wheel nursery.
Councilor-At-Large Nicole McClain's Remarks:
The Liberty Tree is a powerful symbol of freedom and resistance, deeply rooted in the history of the American Revolution. The tree became a gathering place for colonists who opposed British rule, and it was under this tree that the Sons of Liberty organized protests and plotted the course for independence. The Liberty Tree was more than just a meeting spot; it was a symbol of unity, courage, and the unyielding spirit of those who sought to break free from tyranny.
Similar trees and gathering places sprung up across the colonies fostering a sense of shared purpose among the people.
The Liberty Tree reminds us that freedom is not just a gift but a responsibility, requiring vigilance and courage to protect and preserve.
In our modern world, the idea of the Liberty Tree challenges us to reflect on what we stand for and what we are willing to fight for. It calls us to nurture the roots of liberty in our own lives, ensuring that the values of justice, equality, and freedom remain strong for future generations.
As we remember the Liberty Tree, let's also remember that trees are vital to the health and well being of our cities and our community members. They do more than just beautify our surroundings; They are not just amenities but necessities that make our urban environments healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient. By valuing and investing in trees, we invest in the future of our city, the quality of life for all who live here, and we contribute to democracy by providing a beautiful space to plot for equity!
