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Conservation commission touts tree‑canopy work and a 13,000‑pound composting pilot; seeks permanent drop‑off
Summary
Patty Eswein, the new chair of the Conservation & Sustainability Commission, reviewed 2024 achievements — a tree‑canopy study leading to a tree advocacy committee and tree conservation ordinance support, native plant sales, Green Expo turnout and a pilot compost program that collected more than 13,000 pounds of food scraps — and said the commission will push for a permanent compost drop‑off and continuing sustainability education in 2025.
Patty Eswein, who introduced herself as the Conservation & Sustainability Commission chair, told the council that 2024 produced several milestone achievements and set priorities for 2025.
Eswein said the CSC delivered a pro bono tree canopy study that resulted in advocacy for a new tree conservation ordinance and formation of a tree advocacy committee; the CSC will coordinate with that newly formed committee to educate residents about canopy rules. The commission restarted the Eco‑Efficient Homes initiative, organized a Green Expo that attracted dozens of exhibitors and hosted native plant sales at Hill House Farm and Nursery.
On composting, Eswein said the CSC’s pilot program at the Vienna Farmers Market — run in partnership with Veterans Compost from May to October — collected more than 13,000 pounds of food scraps and cost approximately $10,000. The commission will use that pilot to advocate for a permanent town drop‑off composting program and will work with staff and public works director Brad Baer for operational details.
Councilmembers welcomed the results and emphasized the need for clear outreach; one member asked for an electronic copy of the CSC’s full written report (available on Granicus). Eswein said volunteers and town staff at Parks & Rec help run events and that the commission aims to expand participation, especially among younger residents.
