Newport officials highlight volunteer-driven tree program after planting 137 trees in 2025

City municipal specialist Josh Tunning told the Board of Commissioners on Dec. 15 that Newport planted 137 trees across the city in 2025 and removed nearly 3,000 square feet of concrete to accommodate those plantings.

"So in total for 2025, we planted 137 trees all throughout the city of Newport," Tunning said, adding the work reduced stormwater runoff by an estimated 80,000 gallons per year. He said the project used 97 volunteers for 194 volunteer hours and cost about $51,000 — which he said was "100% grant funded."

Cassandra Hohman, the city arborist with Urban Canopy Works, emphasized that about 20% of Newport’s tree canopy is on public property and that the remainder is on private property, which she said concentrates the program’s long-term ecological and economic benefits. Hohman said the city is applying for Tree City USA status.

Tunning provided a per-tree cost estimate of about $375, which he said covered concrete removal, soil and mulch. He also said the program distributed 207 trees to residents at a recent community event and aims to plant roughly 200 trees in 2026 and to reach a goal of 1,000 trees by 2028.

Commissioners on the board praised the partnership between volunteers, public works and outside funders. Commissioner Mike thanked staff and volunteers for the effort; Commissioner Julie encouraged residents to join future plantings. Mayor Cadulli said the project represented a broad community effort of "funders" and volunteers stitched together to achieve the work.

There was no formal action on the tree program during the meeting; staff said ongoing fundraising will underpin next year’s activity. The city noted earlier in the year it had lost a large grant, which staff described during remarks as a setback the program has worked to recover from.