City Plans Events for Arbor Day, April 29

Trees will be planted and pruning will take place at Mystic Riverbend Park on Arbor Day.

In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day 2011, Mayor McGlynn, the Office of Energy and Environment and the City Forestry Department are holding two events on Friday, April 29th.

The first event involves vista pruning and removal of invasive plants along the Mystic River at Riverbend Park. As part of the Massachusetts Arborists Day of Service program, two certified arborists and their crews have volunteered to selectively prune and remove overgrown invasive plants. This year, Lawns Plus from Medford and Turner Tree Service out of Woburn will be performing this important work, at no charge, to create a healthier, more balanced landscape and to improve views along the river.

The second event is the planting of new trees, beginning near the McGlynn School and continuing along the riverfront. The Medford Energy Committee and the City’s Tree Warden, Aggie Tuden, have worked together to choose trees that will provide both energy and environmental benefits. For example, two trees to be planted near the McGlynn School will reduce persistent puddling of the area, function as a windbreak for the building, provide shade in summer and allow sun to warm the building in winter. Trees planted with consideration for environmental impact reduce energy consumption and truly function as “Nature’s air conditioners.”

“Each Arbor Day I look forward to holding a tree planting event and explaining to students the importance of planting trees,” stated Mayor McGlynn. Medford is a Tree City USA, and has been for the last 12 consecutive years. By holding events such as tree plantings, the City maintains its designation as a Tree City USA.

Volunteers are welcome to assist in planting trees and performing some landscape clean-up of downed branches and other Spring spruce up at the park, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, Apr 29th. Residents are also invited to attend the tree planting ceremony near the McGlynn School at 10 a.m. Rain date is Saturday, April 30.

For more information, volunteers should contact Aggie Tuden, Medford Tree Warden, at atuden@medford.org, or (781)395-8695 for more information.

– Submitted by Carey Duques, Medford Director of Energy and Environment