Tree Board 9/9/25

Tree Board Meeting Recap: September 9, 2025 – Preserving Montreat's Natural Heritage

The Montreat Tree Board convened on September 9, 2025, for their monthly meeting, focusing on a range of initiatives aimed at preserving and celebrating the town’s valuable tree resources. The meeting, attended by board members, highlighted a strong commitment to community engagement and collaboration in tree-related efforts.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around Elizabeth’s ongoing work on the "Treasure Tree Map," a community resource showcasing notable trees in Montreat through photos and historical information. Recent updates include the addition of QR codes for easy access and crucial accuracy improvements thanks to Nancy Midget’s contributions. The board is now exploring ways to further share this valuable tool, discussing options like printing brochures and potentially organizing guided walking tours in partnership with the Swannanoa Valley Tree Alliance. This project aims to educate and engage residents about Montreat’s unique arboreal history.

Beyond the Treasure Tree Map, the board dedicated time to planning for Arbor Day, a crucial event required to maintain Montreat’s Tree City USA certification. They will be working closely with the Swannanoa Valley Tree Alliance to coordinate activities and ensure all requirements are met. A particularly exciting development was the discovery of a certified American Chestnut tree within Montreat, sparking considerable enthusiasm. The board unanimously expressed support for collaborating with the American Chestnut Foundation to investigate establishing a chestnut grove on town property – a potential restoration effort that would significantly contribute to the region's ecological diversity.

The meeting also touched upon Montreat’s relationship with Landcare, a broader environmental organization. While the board didn't reach a definitive decision, they agreed to continue exploring the possibility of formal involvement. The Commissioner will research Landcare’s history and structure to better understand its potential benefits for Montreat. Finally, updates were provided on the Hedewa project, where a commercial company is donating treatment for 15 trees, and ongoing tree inventory work from Public Works.

Key Decisions & Actions:

• The August meeting minutes were approved.
• The board decided to table a formal decision on joining Landcare, pending further investigation by the Commissioner.
• Strong support was voiced for exploring a partnership with the American Chestnut Foundation to establish a chestnut grove.
• Several action items were assigned, including investigating brochure printing costs (Elizabeth), researching Landcare's structure (Commissioner), and planning an Arbor Day event (all board members).

What This Means for Montreat Residents:

The Tree Board’s work directly impacts the quality of life in Montreat. Their efforts to preserve and celebrate our town's trees contribute to a healthier environment, enhance the aesthetic appeal of our community, and educate residents about our natural heritage. The Treasure Tree Map project offers a unique opportunity to connect with Montreat’s history and appreciate the beauty of our local trees, while potential initiatives like a chestnut grove promise to restore vital ecosystems and provide educational opportunities for future generations.

The next Tree Board meeting will be held on October 10, 2025. Details regarding the agenda and location will be posted on the town website.