What happens when civic-minded residents recognize a need? They organize and take action!
One of these civic groups started noticing the loss of mature trees in the Village of Vicksburg and it raised concerns. These individuals started talking, researching, and sharing ideas, eventually forming the It Takes a Village Tree Committee.
In their research they found the village had planted hundreds of trees during the 1870s and 1880s. Nearly 600 of these old trees were gone through age, damage, storms and urban renewal. Realizing this would be a long-term project, needing cooperation with the community, the Village and fundraising resources – as well as recognized, well-respected partnering – they created the It Takes a Village Project.
The group created a mission statement: “to facilitate and lead people cooperatively to create a sustainable urban tree environment that benefits our community, the planet, and brings people together.”
This mission statement addresses not only the need to replace lost trees, but the need to care for the planet and its future on the local level.
More research emphasized the need for understanding of and careful choice of native species of large and ornamental trees to assure healthy planting in an urban environment. Planning involved working around power lines, infrastructure elements such as water and sewer lines and street and sidewalk needs.
Armed with information from Arbor Day Foundation, the Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies, the Committee worked with Charlie Krill at Prudential Nursery to develop a source for native trees to be used for the project, as well as instruction for care to ensure the newly planted trees would have the best chance for successful growth.
The committee hoped to be able to offer these trees to the community without charge, but this would need fundraising and sources for grants. The Rotary Club of Vicksburg was looking for a major project, especially emphasizing global warming and climate changes.
This became a perfect partnership. The service club created a new committee for the Tree Project, assuming responsibility for fund raising, grant sourcing and publication under District, National and International Rotary banner.
The committee hopes to support and build community in several ways: by inspiring, motivating, and educating citizens on the benefits of planting trees and by encouraging a resurgence of tree planning and beautification in the village.
According to the group’s research, residents benefit from a healthy tree canopy. Trees reduce noise pollution and encourage neighborhood interactions. Trees offer homeowners energy savings and improve air and water quality.
The group also indicates trees can promote a positive economic impact. For instance, residential property values increase up to 37% and visitors spend more money in businesses with healthy tree-lined areas.
The Tree Project will cover the costs of a tree, planting. and watering bag. Residents are required to fill the waterbag once or twice a week during the first two years. Estimates have shown the cost for this to the homeowner is minimal.
The project is funded by donations and grant monies. According to Kate Wunderlin, committee member, “We worked hard to streamline the process to identify interested homeowners and to go through the necessary steps to provide an appropriate tree for a homeowner’s site. We are using Prudential Nursery, which keeps the business local.”
Last fall, the group planted a variety of 10 trees, including some familiar species such as redbuds, maples, and lilacs. With guidance from Prudential Nursery and input from homeowners, trees are chosen that work best for each space. Power lines, other trees, and whatever MISS DIG marks must be taken into account before planting. The committee hopes to plant 25 more trees this year during a spring and fall planting.
“We are working on raising additional funds through donations and grants. It’s an exciting time for It Takes a Village Tree Project,” said Wunderlin.
Members of both It Takes a Village Tree Committee and the Rotary Club recognize that these efforts will positively impact the Village of Vicksburg for generations. For more information, contact vicksburgtreeproject@gmail.com
