A Tree Grows In Rockville — 34 New Ones To Be Exact Under Grant Program

V ERNON, CT — There are a lot more trees around the Rockville section of Vernon these days, thanks to a state and federal program.

Vernon’s urban forestry initiative, called "Live Here – Love Trees," has already resulted
in the planting of 34 trees on public property in Rockville. Additional tree plantings are planned for
this summer on qualifying private properties.

The project goal is to expand "green spaces" through the planting of at least 50 new, native species trees in Rockville, which is classified as an "economically and environmentally disadvantaged," area, town officials said.

Many trees that once lined Rockville streets have fallen victim to disease, pests, drought and extreme weather, officials said.

The town of Vernon has removed many trees because they have fallen victim to the emerald ash borer, spongy moths and drought.

"Planting new, native species trees in Rockville will have a positive impact by providing shade and cooling our neighborhoods," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. "This grant is enabling us to add healthy trees, which absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen and improve the tree canopy in Rockville."

In addition to an eastern redbud tree planted in Central Park to kick off the program, the following trees have been planted:

• Saxony Park — three sugar maple trees, two flowering dogwood trees
• Talcott Park — two American sycamore trees, two slippery elm trees, one white oak tree
• Pitney Park — three red maple trees
• Rockville Public Library — two redbud trees, two flowering dogwood trees, three northern white cedar/arborvitae
• Maple Street School — one red maple tree, two sugar maple trees, two sweetgum trees
• Rockville Rails to Trails/Nye Street Firehouse — eight flowering dogwood trees

To qualify to receive trees under the program, private property owners went through training in tree care, maintenance and stewardship.

The Live Here – Love Trees program is funded by a competitive grant that was obtained by Vernon's Planning Department and the Rockville award is one of only 10 given to urban and community forestry projects across Connecticut.

In addition to planting trees, the grant is enabling the town to provide hands-on tree education, including proper care, maintenance and stewardship of trees, raise awareness of the health and ecosystem benefits of trees,and increase access to green spaces for residents and visitors.

Funding for the Live Here – Love Trees program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Equity Grant, administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and supported by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The project area is north of South Street, east of West Road, south of the Ellington line and west of Grove and Prospect streets.