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Making Elkins Cooler

Tree Board supplying shade and so much more

6 min read

ELKINS -- In an effort to make Elkins a more sustainable city, the Elkins Tree Board along with other organizations are working hard to encourage tree planting throughout the city. From Arbor Day celebrations to the ETB's Adopt-A-Tree program, more than 50 new trees are now providing much needed shade and cooling the urban environment and there are more to come.

As an example of this collaboration, four organizations participated in this past year's commemoration of Arbor Day. From a local Daisy troop mulching a tree in front of the interim library to a tree planted at city park as a tree memorial, seven trees were planted, and the tradition of this long-cherished celebration remembered.

At Davis & Elkins College, students assisted Elkins Tree Board member Iris Allen in planting an American Plum near the Morrison Novakovic House at the college's entrance. Allen is also the Myles Research Forest manager for the college and plans to pursue D&E becoming a Tree Campus, a designation similar to Elkins' Tree City honor.

The Elkins Tree Board ceremony took place at Elkins City Park, where they planted a dogwood in memory of Elkins resident Jim Pifer. His wife, Sue, participated in the event reflecting on Jim's love of trees and his habit of planting trees wherever they lived. Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco read the Arbor Day proclamation and WV Division of Forestry urban forester Sam Adams presented the Tree Board with both its annual Tree City award and Growth Award for the fourth year in a row.

Both designations require the city meets certain strict criteria and that there is a commitment by the board to increase tree planting and maintenance, and public education.

Members of Troop 10142 assisted with the Emma Scott Garden Club Arbor Day evening ceremony that included planting a Serviceberry tree, songs, and a presentation by garden club member Katy McClane. Both Daisies and Juniors helped mulch and water the tree.

Kroger donated additional trees for Arbor Day at Glendale Park. Management staff, associates and family members assisted in the activity which resulted in a flowering crabapple and sugar maple beautifying the park.

In addition to the Arbor Day commemorations, the ETB sponsors an Adopt-A-Tree program in which trees are provided free to city residents. This year, the trees were of substantial height and the varieties were appropriate to the site. Members of the ETB and the city's certified arborist also help with tree-related issues.

"The priority is to replace trees that have been removed due to age or other reasons," said Marilynn Cuonzo, ETB Chair. "We also encourage placement in the tree lawn or berm which will significantly cool city streets, homes and the entire neighborhood."

This past year, several trees were donated to area residents and organizations. The trees assist in making the overall urban landscape greener. "Our goal is to create tree-lined streets in all the wards." A limited number of trees and tree planting assistance will be available per Ward next spring. An application will be available by simply emailing the tree board.

Recent studies indicate that the shade provided by trees can reduce the temperature of sidewalks by up to twenty degrees. Planting the right tree in the right place is key to maximizing the energy-saving benefits that trees provide.

When planted properly, a single tree can save a homeowner up to 20% on energy costs. But trees do much more than provide energy savings to the homeowner. They also provide tangible benefits for the entire community: improved air quality, reduced stormwater runoff, beautification of your neighborhood, reduced urban heat island effect, and a smaller carbon footprint.

The ETB will be applying for a WV Division of Forestry grant to plant trees not only downtown but also in residential areas. Over the past four years, the ETB has received grants to replace the downtown tree boxes and trees with trees appropriate for the harsher environmental conditions and ground level tree grates. "We are pleased that all the boxes have been removed and new trees planted," said Cuonzo. "There are just a few older trees that need to be replaced."

The ETB also hosts events throughout the year, including winter tree identification walks and pruning and grafting hands-on workshops at the Kump Education Center. Interpretive signage has been added to Glendale Park and the Kump House to highlight tree species and volunteers maintain the Darden House gardens. More events are planned this coming year.

"Anyone who wishes to get involved should contact us," she added. "Our Friends of Trees program is designed to encourage volunteerism. We always could use assistance with the maintenance of our urban forest and tree nursery." One can follow the group on FB (Elkins Friends of Trees) or email elkinstreeboard@gmail.com.

Elkins has been a Tree City since 2009. It achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree-care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

"Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand," said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The trees being planted and cared for by Elkins ensure that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and protection from extreme heat and flooding. Elkins is doing its part to address these challenges for residents both now and in the future.

More information on the program is available at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA. For information on the Elkins Tree Board activities follow the Elkins Friends of Trees Facebook page. The ETB is a community minded organization that is available to assist home or business owners with any tree care or concern questions. 

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