A new organization is planning a tree-planting celebration this weekend as part of an effort to green parks in Oak Bluffs, and to raise awareness about efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Oak Bluffs Tree Stewards are planting 10 bare-root trees on Saturday, Oct. 28, starting at 9 am, at Niantic Park.
Four trees are planned for Niantic Park, four for Nashawena Park, and two for Weslyan Park.
The Oak Bluffs Tree Stewards organization is an outgrowth of the Oak Bluffs climate and energy advisory committee’s effort to get more people aware of what they could do to help mitigate climate change.
The program is modeled after state and national tree steward programs, where volunteers plant and care for trees under the guidance of local governments. A recent study of the Cottage City Historic District and the Copeland Historic District found that only a third of the trees evaluated in Oak Bluffs were deemed to be in “good condition.” Forty-one percent of the trees evaluated were in fair condition, 24 percent were in poor condition, and 1 percent were dead.
On Saturday, volunteers will observe a demonstration planting at the park across from the Council on Aging building on Wamsutta Avenue, and then the group will be split into three teams, one for each park.
The tree stewards are looking for more volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please show up at 9 am at Niantic Park. Bring garden gloves. The O.B. Tree Stewards and the O.B. parks commission will provide tools and materials.
For more information, or to be added to the O.B. Tree Stewards mailing list, email obtreestewards@gmail.com.
