Rockport launches new Roadside Tree Planting Program

Photo caption: (Left to right) Rockport Garden Club member Melody Schubert, Rockport board member Bill Chapman, Rockport Public Works Director Mike Young, District Coordinator of Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District Hildy Ellis, and MCHT’s Erickson Fields Farm & Program Manager Aaron Englander plant the first saplings for Rockport’s Roadside Tree program at Erickson Fields Preserve in Rockport. Growing the saplings at MCHT’s preserve provides a significant cost savings by eliminating the need to purchase saplings from tree nurseries.

Rockport’s new Roadside Tree Planting Program is now accepting applications from individual home owners and businesses in the town of Rockport. The program, being launched this spring, is a collaboration between the Town of Rockport, Rockport Garden Club and Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) to enhance the town by planting and preserving shade-bearing trees along the roadsides.

“Grant programs can sometimes allow for a project of greater scope but are not available every year,” commented James Francomano, Planning and Development Director for the Town of Rockport. “Eligibility and required matching funds are variable and there are always strings attached. Instead, working with the land trust, Rockport will be growing and planting a few of its own street trees year upon year, building capacity and awareness, and should realize some savings in money and hours worked overall.”

Applicants may choose from a variety of trees, including birch, maple and oak. There is no fee to participate. Applications may be picked up at the Rockport Town office during regular hours, 8 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday, and must be received by 3:00 PM on Friday, March 31, 2017. For more information, email .