Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Forestry topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Red Hook Tree Preservation Commission reports spring plantings, readies Arbor Day event
Summary
At its April 21 meeting the Town of Red Hook Tree Preservation Commission reviewed recent spring plantings and inventory work, approved minutes from March 17 with corrections, and finalized logistics for an April 25 Arbor Day event including giveaway seedlings and a memorial bench at Rec Park West.
The Town of Red Hook Tree Preservation Commission met April 21, 2026 and discussed spring planting results, inventory tools and logistics for the commission’s Arbor Day event scheduled for April 25.
Chairman Cathy Michael reported that five measuring tapes for the tree inventory were received and that bare-root nursery stock arrived April 13 after a delivery delay. Michele Decker dug planting holes and, on April 18, volunteers planted ten trees at Rec Park West, Pitcher Lane and Starbarrack Road; volunteers included Doug Traudt, Cathy Michael, Dave Pearson, Codie Hay, an 8-year-old helper and others. Chair Cathy Michael noted that Rec Park West now has more than 50 trees planted and cared for by the commission.
The minutes record some planting follow-ups: Hop Michael mulched and fenced several new trees and flagged that two trees on a ridge need additional soil. A passerby who said he plants professionally suggested covering exposed roots to reduce sun exposure; commissioners noted that the recent plantings have been successful and described best-care precautions.
Commissioners discussed a plan for a 6-foot memorial bench near the Zelkova tree at Rec Park West. Hop Michael said John Kuhn will handle the concrete pad (noted in the minutes as 4 feet by 10 feet) and any associated budget. Commissioners reviewed plaque pricing and cautioned that modifying some commercial benches could void warranties.
The commission finalized details for its Arbor Day celebration, set for Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., with setup at 9 a.m. The minutes say Supervisor McKeon will read a proclamation at 10 a.m. and David Grover will raise the new flag. Volunteers including “Beekeeper Deb” and Laurie Husted of CAC were listed to hand out tree seedlings and raffle tickets; Linda Keeling will manage the raffle. The minutes list the seedling varieties to be given away: River Birch, White Birch, White Flowering Dogwood, Lilac (purple), Ninebark, Button Bush, Eastern Redbud and Witch Hazel. Commissioners planned an indoor backup if the forecasted rain arrives.
On outreach and education, Chairman Cathy Michael said she has visited local banks and the Town Hall to provide guidance on correct mulching technique, and she proposed a new "Growth Award" to encourage better tree care by businesses. Hop Michael offered a fall nature walk with fourth graders to examine leaves and encourage local youth engagement.
Procedural items: the commission approved the March 17, 2026 minutes with the requested corrections after a motion by George (Hop) Michael and a second from Doug Traudt; the minutes record the motion carried with all present agreeing. Hop Michael moved to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.; Codie Hay seconded and the meeting ended.
The minutes also include a "Quote of the Day" attributed to Rachel Carson: "Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the Earth are never alone or weary of life." The commission scheduled its next meeting for May 19, 2026 at Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.
