Sustainability Commission reviews tree ordinance and community garden maintenance plans

The Englewood Sustainability Commission held a productive meeting on April 8, 2025, focusing on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the community's environmental health. A significant highlight was the ongoing development of a tree ordinance, which aims to protect local trees during construction projects. This ordinance, initially proposed over a year ago, has been shaped by the commission's collaboration with the city’s urban forester. As the ordinance nears completion, the commission is eager to finalize it before the urban forester's departure.

In addition to the tree ordinance, the commission discussed the upcoming climate resiliency update, which is set to be presented to city leadership later this summer. This update will incorporate feedback from community workshops and is expected to outline the city’s direction on sustainability efforts. The commission plans to support this initiative by reviewing drafts and providing input, ensuring that community voices are reflected in the final presentation to the city council.

Another topic of interest was the library's seed library program, which encourages residents to exchange seeds and promote native plant growth. This initiative aligns with the commission's goals of fostering community engagement in sustainability practices. The idea of creating a network to share resources related to gardening and native plants was also proposed, highlighting the commission's commitment to education and community involvement.

The meeting also touched on the maintenance needs of Depot Park, particularly its landscaped areas. A request was made to discuss these maintenance issues in the next meeting, emphasizing the importance of keeping community spaces well-maintained for public enjoyment.

Looking ahead, the commission is excited about a planned demonstration by Chef Andrew, who will showcase induction stove cooking at the next meeting. This event aims to educate residents on energy-efficient cooking methods while providing a fun and interactive experience.

Overall, the discussions at the Sustainability Commission meeting reflect a strong commitment to enhancing Englewood's environmental initiatives and engaging the community in sustainable practices. As these projects progress, residents can look forward to more opportunities to participate in and benefit from the city’s sustainability efforts.