Environment

Storms Take Toll on Arnold Arboretum Trees

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Around 30 trees at the Arnold Arboretum have been removed or will be removed after sustaining substantial damage by the recent nor'easter storms.

The first storm on March 2nd caused major damage to more than 30 accessioned trees. An accessioned tree means its been documented as part of the arboretum's collection of more than 15,000 plants. Arboretum staff determined the following day that 22 specimens -- mostly pine, spruce, fir and hemlock species, would require being removed, according to the Arnold Arboretum's website. The March 8th storm affected another handful of trees with the bulk of the damage in the conifer collection, said Jon Hetman, Associate Dir. of External Relations and Communications for the Arnold Arboretum, to Jamaica Plain News.

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Environment

Should This Cherry Tree Be Chopped (for a Curb Cut) in JP?

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The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is holding a hearing to determine the fate of a young cherry tree on Round Hill Street in Jamaica Plain that could be removed due to a proposed curb cut. "I believe it is a Kwanzan cherry, planted about five years ago," said Greg Mosman, city arborist/tree warden for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The young tree is a mere 4 inches in diameter (at breast height), and has barely had time in its short life to show off the beautiful spring blossoms associated with cherry trees. The city is actually mandated by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87 to hold a public hearing on the request of removing the tree. If approved to be removed the constituent must repay the city for the tree.

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Environment

City Council Passes Ban on Plastic Bags, Mayor Reviewing Ordinance

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The Boston City Council unanimously passed an ordinance on Wednesday that would ban thin plastic shopping bags and create a 5-cent fee on paper bags and thicker bags. The purpose of the ordinance, which was co-sponsored by At-Large City Councilor Michelle Wu and District 6 City Councilor Matt O'Malley, is to reduce litter on the streets, avoid plastic bags ending up in our waterways, trees and harming the environment. Using fewer plastic bags would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste, while promoting the use of recyclable bags. A spokesperson for the mayor told Jamaica Plain News that the mayor is "reviewing the proposal." If the mayor approves the ordinance, it would go in effect one year after he signed it into law.

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Environment

Daffodil Planting Volunteers Wanted for Nov. 4th

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What are you doing this Saturday? Why not plant daffodil bulbs with other JP residents? JP Centre/South Main Streets received 300 daffodil bulbs from the city to plant in public spaces and volunteers are needed to plant the bulbs this weekend. Bulbs will be planted in front of the South Street tennis courts and mall, the Monument at Monument Square, and if there's enough time and bulbs, at the park across from Curley School. Gardeners are being asked to bring their own gardening tools.

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Environment

View Solar Eclipse at Arnold Arboretum with National Park Service

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The Arnold Arboretum has teamed up with the National Park Service to provide special projection equipment to safely view Monday's historical solar eclipse. This is free to anyone (just like seeing the eclipse) and no registration is required -- you can just show up at Bussey Hill. National Park Service employees Valerie Wilcox and Adrianna Plavetsky will be on hand to provide equipment to safely view the eclipse. Not using special viewing glasses and looking directly at the eclipse could damage your eyes permanently. It's suggested you bring a chair or blanket and  eclipse-viewing glasses (there will be a limited supply available).

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