Ridgefield Rotary Club Leads the Way in Restoring Town's Green Legacy

In a remarkable display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, the Ridgefield Rotary Club has embarked on an ambitious project to restore the town's verdant canopy. The initiative, aptly named "Replanting Ridgefield," aims to address the significant loss of trees along Main Street and key entrances to the town over the years.

Ridgefield, once proudly designated as a "Tree City," has seen its leafy landscape gradually diminish due to various factors including disease, road salt damage, and natural aging. Bill Wyman, a dedicated member of the Ridgefield Rotary Club, first noticed the alarming trend during his daily walks. "I was amazed that I counted nearly 50 trees missing from Main Street," Wyman recounted. "Where the trees had been, I just saw stumps."

Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Rotary Club joined forces with the Ridgefield Tree Committee to develop a multi-year plan. Their goal is ambitious yet crucial: to replant 50 to 75 trees along Main Street and at Ridgefield's main entrances.

Tom McManus, chair of the Ridgefield Tree Committee, highlighted the challenges faced by the town's trees. "The ash trees on Main Street have gone through several cycles," he explained. "We've seen elm trees succumb to disease, and now many sugar maples are suffering from road salt damage."

The project goes beyond mere aesthetics. Trees play a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment, providing shade, improving air quality, and enhancing the overall charm of the town. As Wyman poignantly noted, "A tree is a gift to the future."

Replanting Ridgefield is not just a Rotary project; it's a community-wide effort. The initiative relies on private donations and public support to achieve its goals. Residents can contribute in various ways, from making financial donations to adopting a tree. Those who adopt a tree will have their family name immortalized on a personalized bronze plaque along Main Street, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.

The project has already seen success, with 16 trees planted in June 2024 after receiving approval from the state Department of Transportation. This careful planning ensures that the right trees are planted in the right locations, taking into account factors such as power lines and driver visibility.

As Ridgefield looks to reclaim its status as a Tree City, the Rotary Club's initiative serves as a shining example of how local organizations can make a significant impact on their community's environment and quality of life. It's a testament to the power of grassroots efforts and the enduring spirit of volunteerism that defines Rotary.

The success of Replanting Ridgefield relies on continued community support. As the project moves forward, it not only promises to restore the town's green canopy but also to strengthen the bonds within the community, uniting residents in a shared vision of a greener, more beautiful Ridgefield for future generations.

To learn more about the project or to make a donation, visit the Ridgefield Rotary website at Ridgefieldrotary.org. Together, we can ensure that Ridgefield's streets remain lined with trees for years to come, preserving the town's natural beauty and environmental health.