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Tree Commission unveils master-plan push; Marion council adopts Arbor Day proclamation
Summary
The Tree Commission told Marion Town Council it is pursuing a Virginia Department of Forestry grant–funded urban forest master plan and a tree-planting program aimed at raising canopy from 34% to 35% over 10 years; the council adopted an Arbor Day proclamation for April 27, 2026.
Mark, chair of Marion’s Tree Commission, told the town council on April 20 that the commission has used a Virginia Department of Forestry grant to fund an urban forest master plan and design assistance and is preparing a tree-planting program for residents.
“The basic goal is to increase the tree canopy in the town of Marion from 34%, which is what it is now, to 35% over the next 10 years,” Mark said, describing consultant-produced maps and data on canopy, temperature, stormwater infiltration and planting opportunity that guided the plan. He said the commission is working with Green Infrastructure Incorporated and consultants Kendall Topping and Jessica Hang.
The commission is prioritizing the master plan work ahead of immediate planting so that future plantings (including a planned project at Wassona Circle) align with the townwide strategy. Mark said the commission will collect public feedback at the Wellness Fair at Hungry Mother State Park on June 26 and plans to launch a free tree distribution program for Marion residents this fall that will include planting and care guidance.
Council members then adopted a proclamation designating Monday, April 27, 2026, as Arbor Day in Marion. The proclamation text names Mayor Avery Cornett and urges citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and support tree-protection efforts.
Why it matters: The master plan is intended to be data-driven and to guide where the town targets limited planting resources, with a modest, measurable canopy goal. The commission’s next step is to gather public comment and return to council for formal approval of the master plan and any associated funding requests.
What’s next: Public comments on the proposed plan will be collected at the Wellness Fair on June 26; the commission plans to present the completed plan to council for approval after that outreach.
