GUILFORD — The Guilford Conservation Commission was awarded a Volunteer Group Award from the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program (VtUCF).
The award is presented to an organization or group that has demonstrated a strong commitment to introducing or sustaining an urban and community forestry project.
According to a news release, the Conservation Commission has focused its efforts on the emerald ash borer, an invasive forest pest, as members mapped more than 2,700 ash trees on 67 miles of town roads to report the status and condition of each for Vermont's Roadside Ash Inventory.
Commission members worked with an arborist to apply approved insecticides to save important ash trees on town properties. With an Arbor Day Foundation grant, they plan to plant trees for shade and beautification near Guilford Central School to teach the students about planting and care of trees and their importance to ecosystems.
VtUCF also recently bestowed Tree Steward Awards on several Vermonters for their commitment to protecting and preserving their community's forests and trees.
VtUCF is a partnership between University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. To learn more, visit vtcommunityforestry.org.