What We Do | Tree School | Arbor Day | Tree City USA




What We Do

Tree Planting Programs

RESTORING NORWALK’S URBAN TREE CANOPY

We consider Norwalk’s trees to be the lungs of our city. Planting a tree is a meaningful way to invest in our shared future, and we regularly plant trees in neighborhoods where they are most needed. A variety of tree species indigenous to southern Connecticut are planted based on environmental research and geographical need. Learn More

Tree School

OUR SIGNATURE EDUCATION PROGRAM

We know learning isn’t limited to a classroom. We also love supporting Norwalk educators, which is why we founded Tree School in 2018. In partnership with the Norwalk Board of Education, we designed an integrated science curriculum that provides outdoor-based and wonder-filled experiences for Norwalk’s youngest neighbors.

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Outdoor Classroom at Fodor Farm

Norwalk’s future green education space

We envision “back to school” to mean more than sitting at a desk. This is why the Norwalk Tree Alliance sponsored the design of an outdoor education space at historic Fodor Farm. The Outdoor Classroom will provide a dedicated green space for students in our signature Tree School program. It will feature woodland meadows, a pollinator garden, and learning circles for Norwalk students.

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Annual Arbor Day Celebrations

Each year the Norwalk Tree Alliance, in conjunction with the Norwalk Board of Education, selects a school to receive a tree in honor of Arbor Day. The NTA hosts a tree planting ceremony where students participate in the planting of a tree on school grounds. These ceremonies are attended by students, residents, and many local and state dignitaries.

Some years have included creative performances and poster contests from the students in honor of Arbor Day. We are proud to provide trees that will flourish and beautify school landscapes for many years to come.

Previous years have seen trees planted at the schools listed below:

Arbor Day Timeline

2004: Marvin Elementary
2005: Tracey Elementary
2006: Brookside Elementary
2007: Columbus Magnet
2008: Rowayton Elementary
2009: Cranbury Elementary
2010: Silvermine Elementary
2011: Fox Run Elementary
2012: Naramake Elementary
2013: Jefferson Science Magnet
2014: Wolfpit Elementary
2015: Kendall Elementary
2016: Marvin Elementary
2017: Brookside Elementary
2018: Tracey Elementary
2019: Wolfpit Elementary
2020: Norwalk Community College
2021: Ponus Ridge Middle School

Arbor Day Fountain Tre City USA Norwalk Connecitcut

Arbor Day Foundation names
Norwalk, Connecticut
Tree City USA for 20 years

Tree City USA

Our commitment to healthy trees in Norwalk is a commitment to healthy trees everywhere. This is why we are part of a nationwide movement. Every year, we partner with our City and other organizations to ensure Norwalk’s continued status as a Tree City USA. This is a national recognition program sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Learn More

Give a child a tree and watch them both grow.

Why Trees?

Trees are a way of showing that we believe in tomorrow. They are a vital and renewable resource contributing to the economy and protecting the environment.

Energy Saving

Trees and vegetation lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade and through evapotranspiration. Shaded surfaces, for example, may be 20–45°F (11–25°C) cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded materials. Evapotranspiration, alone or in combination with shading, can help reduce peak summer temperatures by 2–9°F (1–5°C).

Improve Air Quality

Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen. They provide shade, and refuge to escape blistering heat Trees also intercept airborne pollutants common to cities.

Better Quality of Life

Trees and vegetation provide aesthetic value, habitat for many species, and can reduce noise. Green spaces help residents combat stress, anxiety, and depression. They knit together the social fabric of neighborhoods, beautifying the landscape with their foliage and stateliness.

Reduce Road & Runoff Maintenance

Tree shade can slow deterioration of street pavement, decreasing the amount of maintenance needed. Vegetation reduces runoff and improves water quality by absorbing and filtering rainwater. A healthy tree canopy means cleaner rivers and less investment in costly infrastructure.

Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Trees and vegetation decrease the production of associated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. They also remove air pollutants and store and sequester carbon dioxide. Trees and other plants help cool the environment, making vegetation a simple and effective way to reduce urban heat islands.

Good for Business

Trees increase property values, and they add to public revenue, attracting businesses and visitors. Trees and vegetation are most useful as a mitigation strategy when planted in strategic locations around buildings or to shade pavement in parking lots and on streets.

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