Needham Select Board proclaims April 26 as Arbor Day and plans celebrations

Needham's Select Board has officially proclaimed April 26, 2025, as Arbor Day, marking a significant celebration of trees and their vital role in the community. During the recent meeting, Ed Olsen, the town's tree treasure, outlined an extensive three-week celebration that includes various activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness and community involvement.

The festivities kick off with a park cleanup at Noyes Park, where volunteers will work alongside members of Hartney Grama and the local garden club to enhance the park's natural beauty. This event is scheduled for Friday morning, April 26, from 9 AM to 12 PM. Following this, the town will host a tree planting event on Webster Street, where residents can engage with arborists and learn about proper tree planting techniques. This educational initiative, dubbed "Ask an Arborist," will also feature the distribution of saplings to attendees.

In addition to these events, the town plans to plant a sugar maple at Needham High School in collaboration with the environmental club, further emphasizing the importance of trees in urban settings. The Select Board encourages all residents to participate in these activities and to consider planting trees to enhance the community's environment.

The Arbor Day proclamation highlights the numerous benefits of trees, including their role in combating climate change, improving air quality, and enhancing property values. The Select Board also announced a forthcoming listening session on June 4, inviting community feedback on tree-related initiatives in Needham.

As the town gears up for Arbor Day, residents are urged to join in the celebrations and contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect and nurture the town's green spaces.