Ram Ramachandran, West Windsor
In West Windsor we love our trees and environment. Disasters happen beyond our control from time to time and our trees are damaged or destroyed.
In 2012, we got our share of the damage from Superstorm Sandy destroying hundreds of our trees.
Thanks to the West Windsor leadership team, Public Works staff, and the residents who dealt with this disastrous event in an efficient and effective manner.
Now, in 2015 the emerald ash borer has entered our township. (Details about the emerald ash borer are available on the West Windsor website). These insects will eventually destroy all our ash trees. West Windsor has around 2,000 ash trees on public property. The Shade Tree Commission, the mayor, the council , and Girl Scout volunteers (Adopt A Tree Project) and many volunteers are doing everything possible to save as many ash trees as possible. Some will be removed and replaced and some will be treated.
In spite of these disasters, West Windsor Township has achieved Tree City USA status every year for the last 37 years, awarded by the National Arbor Day Foundation. With your help we plan to maintain this designation of excellence for many more years to come. Only six other municipalities out of 565 in New Jersey have been awarded with this distinction for such a long time.
We were the first town recognized in New Jersey as Greentown USA. Our Arbor Day celebration is a big part of maintaining our prestigious status.
Please come and celebrate Arbor Day with us at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum, at the corner of Clarksville and Princeton-Hightstown roads, across from High School South. (In case of rain the event will be held at the West Windsor Senior Center in the township complex, next to the post office.)
Key events include an Arbor Day proclamation by Mayor Shing Fu-Hsueh; discussion of tree planting and care with the Shade Tree Commission; awards for WW-P student art competition; learn to identify common trees and local insects; participation by the Girls Scouts and Boys Scouts and music groups from the school district; refreshments; and a free tree seedling to take home.
Arbor Day is an excellent opportunity to take stock of the trees on your property and plan for the future. Inspect your trees. Note any broken branches or evidence of disease or insect infestation, including the emerald ash borer.Think about how planting new trees might improve the look of your property or provide wind or heat protection or improve your property’s value.
Take a trip to your local nursery to see what’s available and to get new ideas. Walk around your neighborhood. Are there any public areas where tree planting or tree maintenance might make a real difference to your community? Talk with your neighbors. Find out what their opinions are.
And, oh yes, plant a tree.
Come and celebrate this year’s Arbor Day with us and bring all your tree related questions for expert answers.
Ram Ramachandran, Ph.D.
Member
West Windsor Shade Tree Commission
