Tree Committee - 03/10/2026

The Town of Bridgewater Tree Committee meeting on March 10, 2026, focused primarily on tree procurement, planting plans, and budget considerations. Key procurement actions included approving a purchase order for a memorial plaque for Bill Maltby at a cost up to $420 and authorizing the purchase of a redbud tree from Weston Nursery for up to $475 to be planted in April. The committee discussed applying for a state grant called the Cooling Corridors grant to fund additional tree planting, with a tight timeline requiring planning board approval by March 18 to meet the March 20 application deadline. Budget discussions revealed a pre-mitigation account balance of over $21,000, with consensus to actively spend funds on tree planting projects, particularly focusing on replacing dead trees on Broad Street and coordinating efforts with the Bridgewater Improvement Association. The committee also reviewed and approved a revised list of recommended tree species for planting, excluding certain non-native and invasive species. Planning for Arbor Day activities and coordination with local schools and organizations were also addressed, emphasizing community engagement in tree planting efforts.