Trustees agree in principle to fund match for Chanty Park "mini forest" demonstration

Larry, a representative of Sustainable Jobs, described a proposed 'mini forest' demonstration for Chanty Park and said the project recently received a private grant of $1,800; he estimated the project as presented would cost about $5,600.

Larry explained the planting approach—closely spaced native trees and shrubs in small grid cells—calling it a compact, fast-growing approach suitable for a demonstration plot at Chanty Park. He described a sample planting of roughly 108 plants in about 21 square meters that can establish more quickly than conventional plantings and provide habitat and stormwater benefits.

Trustees discussed funding options. Sustainable Jobs proposed the village match the $1,800 grant and suggested splitting an unsolicited $3,000 award from the Resilient River Towns initiative across three suggested uses, including $1,000 for the mini forest. Board members noted the $3,000 was deposited and must be accepted by the board as revenue; they also raised the village 'tree fund' and other special-purpose funds as potential sources for the match.

After discussion trustees agreed in principle to identify $1,800 in village funds for the match and to allocate $2,000 from the $3,000 donation toward the mini forest, with staff (Jeff) asked to return with specific budget-line recommendations and confirmation of available funds. Larry said he and volunteers were willing to contribute additional funds if needed.

Next steps: staff to identify the specific budget source(s) for the $1,800 match and formalize acceptance/allocations of the $3,000 donation; trustees asked committees to follow up on related projects (pollinator garden and 9/11 memorial plantings) that were discussed as alternate recipients of grant money.