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Bridgewater tree committee approves plan to buy 200 seedlings for students
Summary
The Bridgewater Tree Committee voted to set aside funds to buy about 200 seedling trees for distribution to sixth–eighth graders in a fall outreach project; staff were directed to confirm sources, species and educational materials.
The Bridgewater Tree Committee voted to set aside funds to purchase about 200 seedling trees for distribution to middle‑school students as part of a fall education and outreach effort. The motion passed by voice vote during the committee’s meeting.
Committee member Brian Cole proposed the idea as a low‑cost way to “get buy‑in and involvement” from young residents, describing a kit of cuttings and materials teachers could use in class. “We might take Nicole’s very good idea about distributing tree cuttings and do that in the fall,” Cole said, adding that the kits could include planting instructions and brief lesson plans that tie to earth‑science curricula.
Pat Driscoll moved the funding motion, saying the seedlings would be used as an educational tool for sixth‑ to eighth‑grade students; Paul seconded. Members agreed committee staff should contact Nicole to confirm vendor information and species choices before the next meeting. Brian Cole said the project’s material costs would be small and estimated the total event expenses “might run up $500 or $600 by the time we’re done with everything.” The transcript does not record a roll‑call of individual votes; committee members indicated assent by voice and the chair declared the motion passed.
The committee directed staff to develop supporting materials (a lesson/marketing packet and instructions for each species) and to choose multiple species to give students a selection. Members said offering a choice increases ownership and the likelihood students will care for the trees.
Why it matters: The giveaway is intended as both a tree‑planting effort and a public‑engagement tool to raise local awareness about street‑tree rules and to recruit volunteers for the committee. The committee plans the distribution for September–October with a potential spring follow‑up for students who successfully nurture seedlings.
Next steps: Staff will contact Nicole about the supplier and species list, draft the instructional materials, and report back at the committee’s next meeting. The committee also discussed using the seedling event as a platform for promotion and recruitment.
