Greening Guilford: 'Dig' In and Contribute

If you haven't noticed, Guilford is getting a little greener every year, thanks to the Guilford Garden Club (GGC) The Greening of Guilford tree-planting program. Now entering year four of a five-year planting plan, GGC's The Greening of Guilford fund hopes to purchase and plant four more trees and is asking businesses and organizations to "dig" into their pockets to make a contribution to this worthwhile effort.

The club works closely with Guilford Tree Warden Kevin Magee, who selects the needed planting sites and appropriate tree, working with an arborist from Care of Trees. Each tree costs $400 (including planting fees) and will become part of a growing legacy to green Guilford's public areas with gorgeous trees. Donations can be made in any amount, from pledging a tree to making a contribution that will help this year's collection grow toward its goal, according to GGC Treasurer Barbara Nugent.

To date, 38 trees have been planted as a result of past contributions. Last fall, three trees were planted on State Street, another on Whitfield Street, three on the town's Woodruff property, two more on Stonehouse Lane, and another at the Millpond. Plantings were funded by GGC, Car Care Clinic, LLC, Guilford Savings Bank, the Guilford Foundation, the Guilford Preservation Alliance, Guilford Rotary Club, and others.

Businesses and organizations can pledge a tree ($400 includes the planting fee) or make a donation. Checks should be made payable to the Guilford Garden Club-Tree Fund and mailed to Guilford Garden Club, 423 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437. Individual donations are welcome. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, call Lillian Comstock at 203-453-5898.