Tree Board Committee
2026 AGENDAS
2026 MINUTES
Tree Steward: Craig Deane
Members: Cathy Roberts
2-year terms Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2027.
Council Representative: Elizabeth Skinner
2-year term July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:00pm in Town Hall.
🌳 Summary for Quick Understanding
Did You Know?
The Town of Bath is in an urban forest. An urban forest is all the trees and woody plants that make up the green infrastructure of urban places, helping the town to function in a sustainable way for current and future generations. Urban forests require the active engagement of town officials, local organizations, and residents. Urban forests face greater stress from pollution, compacted soils, limited growing space, and infrastructure conflicts. The Tree Board is engaged in urban forest management, focused on public benefit and urban ecology.
🌿 How the Tree Board is Engaged in Urban Forest Management
🌟 The Town of Bath Tree Board is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant community through effective urban forest management. Guided by the Tree Board ordinance, we collaborate with residents and businesses to achieve the following goals:
- Enhance Quality of Life: A well-maintained urban landscape improves aesthetic appeal and boosts economic prosperity.
- Promote Health and Safety: Proper tree care, including tasks like pruning and tree removal, when necessary, reduces risks to people and property. Planting new trees and maintaining existing ones enhances air quality, helps mitigate flooding, and promotes climate resilience through the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon.
- Boost Property Values: A thriving urban forest significantly increases the value of both residential and commercial properties.
- Educate on Best Practices: Our Tree Board members are available to assist property owners with advice on tree selection, care techniques, and strategies to prevent diseases or pest infestations.
By engaging the community in these initiatives, the Tree Board fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for our urban environment, resulting in a healthier and more beautiful town for all.
🏅Certifications and Designations
For 17 years and counting, the Tree Board has proudly achieved certification as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City signs at both entrances of our town signifies our commitment to nurturing the urban forest. Achieving this recognition relies on the collaboration of the Town Council, town workers, the Tree Board, and dedicated volunteers. Being a Tree City USA community enhances our ability to secure grants that extend our resources for tree care and urban forestry initiatives.
👋 How You Can Get Involved
There are several ways to engage with the work of the Tree Board:
- Attend Our Arbor Day Celebration: Join us for our annual Arbor Day celebration each April. Check the town website and the Morgan Messenger for updates on the event date.
- Participate in Meetings: Interested in understanding the day-to-day activities of the Tree Board? Attend our meetings at Town Hall, held on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM. Your participation is welcome!
Volunteer for Tree Care: Every May, we prune, mulch, and provide essential care for the town’s street trees. This is an excellent opportunity for volunteers to gain hands-on experience in basic tree care.
🌳 Quote to Inspire:
“A society grows great when people plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.”
🌱 Projects
The Tree Board is actively identifying heritage trees on town property. Heritage trees are typically large and old, with most located in the town’s three cemeteries. These trees serve as a living reminder of our community’s history and those who have contributed to its growth. Large trees are also more effective in cleaning the air, reducing the frequency and severity of flooding, and capturing and sequestering carbon, which leads to greater climate resilience.
Additionally, the Tree Board wants to collaborate with interested persons to identify heritage trees on their property, ensuring that these significant trees receive the best care possible for their continued preservation.
Watershed & Cacapon Institute Partnering for Tree Planting Effort
Olde English Cemetery August 2025
Tree Work removal on US 522
Arbor Day Foundation names the Town of Bath a 2022 Tree City USA