Norwalk committee outlines master tree plan targets, schedules Arbor Day event and river-trail tree work

Norwalk City staff presented a draft master tree plan and workshop feedback and described a set of near-term actions intended to raise the city's tree canopy. The plan, discussed at the committee meeting, sets a target to increase canopy from about 43% to 53% and estimates the city would need to plant roughly 1,100 trees per year to meet that goal.

"I think we need to plant about 1,100 trees per year in order to meet our goal," said Sarah, a staff member who led the presentation. She told the committee the draft plan was completed in January and workshops last week included city departments, external stakeholders and a public evening session that drew more than 20 attendees.

The plan is based on recent aerial and LiDAR analysis and incorporates assumptions about species mix, tree sizes and expected attrition. Sarah said the consultant used a 2021 LiDAR assessment and that the plan assumes a mix of sizes and an expected annual turnover rather than a simple net increase. Committee members noted the city currently plants about 400 to 500 trees per year.

Why it matters: increasing canopy can affect stormwater, heat-island effects and neighborhood character; the committee is planning to submit the draft to the Common Council for consideration. Staff asked the committee and public to submit additional comments by the end of next week, with the aim of bringing the plan to the Common Council in the last week of April for possible adoption.

Key technical and program points discussed

- Planting targets and responsibility: The plan's 1,100-trees-per-year estimate reflects the full annual planting need; staff proposed the city would take on approximately 70% of those plantings while developers, community groups and private owners would account for the remaining 30%.

- Data and assumptions: The consultant relied on a 2021 LiDAR-based canopy assessment (Sarah said it used some earlier WestConn data from 2018 in part) and a section of the plan lists the assumptions used for size classes, seedling survival and attrition.

- Species list and procurement: Committee members reviewed an updated species list intended for a tree-planting contract linked to a Forest Service grant described in the discussion as a "million-dollar" award. Staff said the contract work is currently on hold due to recent executive orders and that the species list remains under revision: some species (pear, ash, beech, purple-leaf plums) were removed or flagged because of invasive behavior, pests (emerald ash borer, beech leaf disease) or nursery availability. The committee also discussed adding native shrubs to the planting list.

Community engagement, outreach and education

The group discussed outreach to schools and volunteers. An Arbor Day ceremony is planned for April 25 at Cranbury Elementary School from 1 to 2 p.m., with a seedling giveaway and four planting demonstrations. Committee members raised concerns that many giveaway seedlings go unplanted and suggested supplementing seedlings with classroom materials (books, simple lab kits) or targeted giveaways rather than one seedling per attendee. Staff said they would explore partnerships (including the Arbor Day Foundation) and reach out to committee members who volunteered to help identify materials.

Volunteer and contractor efforts

The committee confirmed a cleanup and contractor-supported tree work day two days before Arbor Day: staff described a tree-company-donated crew working on a middle section of the Norwalk River Valley Trail (the spur under the Route 7 connector near 40 Cross Street) from 8 a.m. to noon on April 23, with lunch provided for volunteers and crews. Eversource was listed as a potential partner for crews; staff said they had asked Eversource for two crews.

Internships and student help

Several members proposed recruiting students for photo and species-guide work. Staff said a past volunteer had compiled photos and scientific names and that the committee could task an intern or student (for pay or extra credit) to produce a cleaner public guide showing species, size, native status and planting suitability.

Other items

Committee members also noted two recognitions: Norwalk received recertification as a Tree City USA community and a growth award from the Arbor Day Foundation, and CT State Norwalk received Tree Campus (higher education) recognition.

Administrative actions at the meeting

Committee members moved to accept the February meeting minutes as presented; the motion was seconded and advanced (no roll-call tally was recorded in the minutes). The group also discussed the need to formally reapprove November minutes for COIA compliance at a future meeting.

What happens next

Staff asked for committee feedback on the draft master plan by the end of next week and said they intended to transmit the plan to the Common Council for consideration in the last week of April. Staff will also follow up on: the planting contract status; outreach materials for Arbor Day; recruiting an intern or paid student assistant; and coordination for the April 23 trail work.

Ending

Committee members closed the meeting after brief announcements about upcoming events, including a tree-themed poetry reading on April 11 at the Royle Eaton (Royal Eaton) library, and confirmed plans to continue work on the species list, volunteer coordination and the draft master plan.