By Laurie O’Neill — Laurie@concordbridge.org
Henry David Thoreau was “captivated by trees.” They played “a significant role in his artistic creativity, philosophical thought, and even his inner life,” Concord writer and photographer Richard Higgins notes in his book “Thoreau and the Language of Trees.”
Thoreau might be pleased that the town, through an initiative of the Concord250 Executive Committee, is planting 250 trees to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and to demonstrate Concord’s commitment to creating a more sustainable, resilient future.
Middlesex School is backing the effort with a $50,000 lead gift toward the committee’s $400,000 goal.
“We are thrilled by this generous gift [to] support our initiative that enhances Concord’s 250 commemorative goals as well as the community’s sustainability aspirations and plan,” says Gary Clayton, co-chair of the Concord250 Executive Committee.
The independent school’s “demonstrated leadership will hopefully encourage others to support our 250th efforts,” he adds.
A living monument
Trees, the committee’s website says, are “a critical part of Concord’s natural ecosystem, scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and economic sustainability.” The project will augment Concord Public Works’ annual planting of 80 to 100 trees.
“We are at an ecological inflection point locally and globally as we seek ways to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis,” says the committee. “What better way to mark the 250th than with a living monument?”
The species planted will be native to the region and consistent with the town’s tree planting guide.
Middlesex has more than 19 species of trees on campus. Its efforts to prioritize sustainability include converting its original central steam plant into a music and math facility with a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Head of School Bessie Speers says, “With the Estabrook Woods serving as a source of daily inspiration, discovery, and reflection on our campus, Middlesex is profoundly aware of the power of our environment as well as our responsibility to protect it. We are honored to partner with the town [and] to help champion this important endeavor.”
For more information about “250 Trees for the 250th,” visit concordma.gov.
