Harbingers of spring- Tree Planting Time in two new areas of East Lyme

East Lyme Public Trust Foundation News

In the middle of February, we long to see that first robin at McCook Park, the first pussy willow bud at the inner harbor walkway to Cini Park, and the first crocus peeking from the snow at the gardens at the Hole-in-the-Wall.   Now, participants can contribute to these signs of spring with some new plantings.

The Promise of Tomorrow’s Trees, an East Lyme Public Trust Foundation commemorative tree program started in 2011, makes available to the public trees to be placed in public spaces in East Lyme.  This project helps to raise funds for the support of the Niantic Bay Boardwalk and other projects of the Foundation.  To date, 38 trees have been planted at Cini Park, McCook Park, Bridebrook Park, The Smith-Harris House, the E.L. Library, and the E.L. Town Hall.  This year, we are delighted to announce two new areas for THE PROMISE of TOMORROW’S TREES.

In co-operation with Chris Lund, the Director of Facilities for the East Lyme Board of Education, the Foundation will offer trees at the Flanders Elementary School and the Niantic Center Elementary School.  During the Elementary School Renovations, for safety reasons, the Facilities Department had to remove a number of trees at Niantic Center along Pattagansett Road.  In addition, at Flanders School, a number of diseased ornamental cherry and apple trees had to be removed from the inner court yard.

Mr. Lund, who became the Director of Board of Education Facilities in June- 2019, thought that 6-7 Dog Wood Trees would be very effective in the inner court yard at Flanders School.  At Niantic Center School, he would like to plant a Copper Beech as a Centerpiece tree in the area to the right of the side entrance on Pattagansett Rd.  Also, along the road, he has chosen three Red Oaks to replace the diseased threes that had to be removed.

This is a wonderful chance for teachers, employees, parents, grandparents, and former students to help beautify the schools which give such a fine foundation to our students.  Not only will these trees be able to commemorate people associated with the schools, they will also provide scenic beauty and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

A contribution of $600 for a tree will cover the cost of the tree, planting, an 8”x4” plaque, a base, and a water bag to assist in the stabilization of the tree.  Planting will take place this spring-2020.  Since the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation is a non-profit 401c, contributions are tax deductible.

June Hoye is the chairperson for the project in partnership with Dave Putnam, the Director of Parks and Recreation.  Her committee includes Carol Marelli and Bill Rinoski-administration.

Application forms will be available at: East Lyme Town Hall-Town Clerk’s Office, East Lyme Parks and Rec., East Lyme Library, and the E.L. Book Barn.  They also can be found on the Trust web-site: www.publictrustfoundation.org  

These application forms will also list other areas for planting that are still available.