The following information was provided by the event organizers:
Is planting trees in city streets and backyards a good way to help manage the damaging effects of climate change?
The answer is an emphatic “Yes!,” according to organizers of “Trees and Climate Change in Watertown,” a free informational program that will be held on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.-12 noon, at the Watertown Public Library.
Sponsored by the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee and co-sponsored by Trees for Watertown and Watertown Faces Climate Change, this community event will focus on the important role trees play in keeping a city healthy, and how citizens and Watertown can work together to improve Watertown’s urban forest.
Topics will include:
- How trees reduce the effects of heat and severe weather and protect our health and environment
- What trees to plant: tree species that will do best in our changing climate
- The state of Watertown’s urban forest, and city plans for its growth and care
- Advice on tree-planting and care, including how to get help in organizing a neighborhood tree-planting party, how to join the Citizens Pruning Corps, and how to request a new street tree to be planted by Watertown
Speakers will include:
- Chris Hayward, Watertown’s Forestry Supervisor and Tree Warden
- Jennifer Hushaw Shakun, Applied Forestry Scientist at Manomet: “Our Urban Forests in a Warming World”
- David Meshoulam and teen participants from Trees for Watertown’s Teens for Trees Program
- Libby Shaw, President of Trees for Watertown
There will also be information tables where community members can connect with a variety of groups working on enhancing, protecting and enjoying Watertown’s natural environment.
This program will take place in the Watertown Savings Bank Room, Watertown Public Library, 123 Main St, Watertown.