The City of Martinsville is calling on volunteers to join its newly established tree board, a group dedicated to the care, preservation, and management of trees in public spaces. The board held its first informational session on Dec. 5, outlining its mission and membership requirements.
Tree boards are typically composed of community volunteers committed to the stewardship, safety, and preservation of a city’s trees. “A group of members in the community charged with the welfare of trees,” is how Kendall Topping, with the Green Infrastructure Center, described such boards.
The Martinsville board will take on tasks including the care, pruning, planting, and removal of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets, and in other public areas, according to the city’s statement. Members will also investigate and develop recommendations for tree-related projects and concerns.
Boards like Martinsville’s often work on public education and outreach, organize tree planting events, and assist cities in obtaining grants. “I’ve had several tree boards reach out to get a small grant, and then they will organize a tree planting in one of the public parks,” Topping explained.
The Martinsville tree board will consist of five members, each serving a three-year term. While members are not bound by a contract, those wishing to continue after their term will need to seek reappointment.
Board members will have the autonomy to determine their structure, distribute roles, and set meeting schedules based on the city’s needs. Meetings are expected to last about an hour.
“Tree boards love to do different partnerships in my experience,” Topping noted. Martinsville’s Uptown Partnership has already expressed interest in collaborating with the new board, and members will have the opportunity to work with other organizations to advance tree-related projects across the city.
The city is encouraging those who are passionate about conservation and community service to apply for a position on the tree board. Interested applicants can visit the city’s website and apply through the boards and commissions page. Questions about the board can be directed to Greg Maggard, Martinsville’s Director of Public Works.
Currently, no members have been appointed, making this an ideal opportunity for residents to play a foundational role in shaping the board’s mission and activities.
