Bath, Maine - "Tree City USA" for 12th Year

The Arbor Day Foundation, based in Nebraska has named the City of Bath a "Tree City USA" for the 12th year. Bath, Maine has made a commitment to community forestry through tree-care workshops, education, publicity and management. Trees in urban areas reduce the "heat island" effect caused by pavement and buildings, and they can increase property values if placed properly. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles. And, trees can be stately old works of art that just make you feel good when you walk beneath them.

In Bath, the spring flowering trees are doing their thing right now and it will only be a matter of days before the scent of lilac trees will assualt you (in a very nice way) as you walk down Washington Street. We are so lucky to have so many wonderful trees in such a densely packed city.

Right now, the City of Bath is celebrating Arbor Week with 7 days of plant and tree-related festivities. The big kick-off will be Sunday afternoon as the Bath Community Forestry Committee presents its landscaping awards. Fisher-Mitchell School students will be potting up tree seedlings this week for the municipal tree nursery. There will be a lecture on Thursday, May 21, at 7 pm in Bath City Hall by scientist Jack Witham about 25 years in the life of a pine-oak forest in Arrowsic. Also, Thursday evening, Bath's "Favorite Tree" will be announced - this title will be awarded based on a vote by residents over the course of the past month.

On Water Street right now, there is an improvement project that will widen the sidewalks and add tree islands - I believe plans also include breaking up the big public parking lot behind Reny's with several trees. You will have to come check this out this summer.

So, please come visit Bath, walk around the City - - you will love our trees, among so many other things! Maybe you will even decide you want to stay.