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In 1978, Maine first celebrated Arbor week during the 3rd full week of May. Previously, Arbor Day in Maine had been observed in late April, a time of the year when much of our state experiences cold, winter weather. Thwarted by snow and frozen ground in their efforts to observe Arbor Day, a group of students and their teacher from Dover-Foxcroft requested the Maine Legislature to establish Arbor Week in May. The Legislature was impressed by the arguments of the 6th graders who came to Augusta as a class to speak for their bill and agreed to make the change. Arbor Week in Maine continues to be celebrated during the third full week in May, which this year is May 19th through the 25th. Register your Arbor Day events and follow others here.
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The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) will host guest speakers and provide an update for city and town tree and forest managers and public works staff on preparation for and response to the emerald ash borer in Maine. Guests from New Hampshire will provide insights from their experiences responding to emerald ash borer. Maine Forest Service will provide an update on the current situation in Maine.
Agenda
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Brief Introduction, Maine Forest Service
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EAB Situation in NH – Bill Davidson, N.H. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, Division of Forests and Lands
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Management of the Utility Corridor in NH – Ian Farley and Richard Sullivan, Eversource
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Maine Updates – Mike Parisio, Maine Forest Service
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Wrap up, Maine Forest Service
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 The Bradford pear tree is particularly eye-catching as spring kicks off and its blooms pop. But get close and a whiff of its blossoms may send you running. An ornamental tree found across the U.S. from New York to California, the Bradford pear tree became a favorite for landscaping in the 1960s because it grew quickly, had bountiful blooms and aged with a nicely shaped canopy full of bright green foliage. But it eventually became infamous because of its odor. Read more....
Though oft touted as a fix for climate change, planting trees could, in some regions, make warming more severe, a new study finds. Trees draw down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to keep warming in check. But their dark, green leaves also absorb heat from sunlight. Snow and sand, by virtue of their light color, reflect more sunlight back into space. As such, trees planted in snowy areas or in the desert will absorb more sunlight than their surroundings, which may negate the climate benefits of soaking up carbon dioxide. For a new study, scientists mapped the climate impact of tree planting across the globe, determining where it would be most and least beneficial. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that because of their low reflectivity, trees planted in arid, desert regions or in the snowy Arctic would, on balance, worsen warming. Learn more…
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WHY BECOME A TREE CITY USA COMMUNITY?
A thriving urban forest offers many advantages to communities. Here are just a few:
- Trees help absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40%.
- Neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without.
- Trees reduce energy costs up to 25% by shading buildings and protecting them from winter winds.
- Homes with trees have higher property values.
- Green space plays a major role in improving mental and physical health.
- Planting and maintaining trees absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change.
Publicly demonstrating your commitment to the environment is a great way to build pride among residents, as well as position your community as an attractive place to live. To help you share your award, we send signs, flags, press releases, and other materials after your acceptance.
Is your community ready to become a Tree City USA? Take the quiz
April 11 - Maine Invasive Species Network Annual Meeting, Orono
April 16 - Maine's Champion Trees, Wells
May 15 - Project Canopy & IRA UCF grant proposal submission deadline
May 19-25 - Maine Arbor Week
May 30 - Virtual Summit: Tree Canopy, Environmental Justice & Urban Forestry: Understanding the Relationship
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