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Board pushes volunteer cleanups, mapping and fall tree purchase; seeks maintenance plan
Summary
The Charles Town Tree Board discussed volunteer-driven pollinator gardens and cleanups, a county GIS-based tree map, a maintenance meeting with parks staff, plans to order about 25 trees for fall planting, and concerns about mowing practices at Willingham Knowles.
The Charles Town Tree Board on June 11 discussed a package of community and operational steps to support urban trees, including volunteer cleanups, a tree inventory, equipment assessments and a fall tree purchase.
Board members proposed coordinating pollinator garden work and community cleanups with the city’s "weed and waste Wednesdays" program and local garden clubs. One member suggested producing a one‑page guide identifying desirable plantings versus weeds to prevent volunteers from removing intended growth.
Scott reported he has been in contact with county GIS staff ("I sent them an email") and that the goal is for the board to maintain its own map to add, edit and delete tree records. "The software is humongous," Scott said, describing the tool the county uses.
Members discussed equipment and contracting: the Chair said he and Jim will meet with Travis from maintenance to draft a water-and-care maintenance plan, and noted the board may recruit a contractor for larger trimming jobs; Eric at Viking was named as a potential vendor to provide cost estimates. The group also discussed a planned group purchase of roughly 25 trees for late August/October delivery and using Arbor Day Foundation software to manage sign-ups and payments.
The board raised maintenance operations at Willingham Knowles, pressing for narrower mowing around paths and trees to protect plantings and reduce unnecessary work. The Chair said interim manager Alyssa Meeks would look at the mowing areas and the board would follow up with parks and rec if no changes could be negotiated with the current contractor.
No formal motions were adopted on these operational items; members agreed to follow up with staff, draft plans and coordinate volunteer events.
