Community Corner

$10K Donation Adds 26 Trees to Streetscape

Friends of Madison Shade Trees donated a mix of Zelkovas, sugar maples, October Glory and lindens to fill gaps left by last year's storms.

The number of shade trees that line Madison streets is up by 26 thanks to an approximately $10,000 donation of trees by the nonprofit Friends of Madison Shade Trees.

Formed in 1989 to help maintain the canopy of mature street trees that line the borough's roads, the Friends use private donations, fundraising and grants to supplement the efforts of the borough's Shade Tree Management Board.

FMST has planted hundreds of trees since its inception, and the latest donations have been especially welcome as much of the Shade Tree Management Board's funds .

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The latest batch of trees includes eight Zelkovas, seven sugar maples, seven October Glory, and four lindens.

The trees—planted by Department of Public Works employees toward the end of September and identifiable by the bright green "Friends of Madison Shade Trees" ribbons around them—can be seen on Green Avenue, Prospect Street, Woodland Road, Academy Road, Barnsdale Road, Knollwood Avenue, Longview Avenue, Lathrop Avenue, Roscoe Avenue, Vinton Road, Central Avenue, Ardsleigh Drive, Carteret Court, Beech Avenue and Rose Avenue.

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It's the second batch of replacement trees planted this year. In the spring, FMST replaced 14 pear trees on Main Street in partnership with the Garden Club of Madison.

"These trees represent another investment by Friends of Madison Shade Trees, addressing the gaps created almost a year ago in severe storms which changed the streetscape in town," said Judy Mullins, president of Friends of Madison Shade Trees. "FMST is working to help the town replace the lost trees more rapidly by spending private dollars the non-profit has solicited, with the approval of the Shade Tree Management Board."

FMST will continue the effort into the Spring. Donations can be sent to PO Box 632 in Madison. More information about Friends of Madison Shade Trees is available on its website.


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