100 Street Trees Planted
In the winter of 2020, the Town of Geneseo removed over 200 ash trees that were dead or dying from the invasive emerald ash borer (a problem that will increase as human cause climate change continues to warm our region making it hospitable to species not from here). This removal devastated what is an iconic road in Geneseo and inspired 150 community members to raise over $25,000 to replant street trees along the road.
Nations Road is a unique location in the Genesee Valley that is significant to many diverse groups. For over 145 years it has been an equestrian hub in the region and an important part of the agricultural economy of the area as the location of the Genesee Valley Fox Hunt, which hosts the Genesee Valley Hunt Races, dozens of other races, trials, and riding clinics, and supports horse boarding and vet businesses throughout the year. The lands along the road have the prestigious designation as being an Important Bird Area due to the rare and endangered species that live here and draw birders from across New York State to see these rare finds. Artists too have long sought out this dirt road for its uniqueness, its sweeping vistas and mighty trees for their painting and photography. Individuals also seek out the road to walk and run, including the largest road-race in Livingston County (Oak Tree Half Marathon) each Labor Day weekend.
One hundred trees of varying ages and sizes were planted this fall. These trees, a diverse mix more than a dozen species, will help re-establish the many benefits that trees provide to the community. Fall planting will allow the trees to establish their root systems before winter sets in, providing them a full growing season come next spring.
In addition to the visual and scenic benefits of maintain street trees along our roads, there are significant environmental reasons for planting street trees. The trees planted this fall will (on average over their lifespan) reduce carbon pollution by 23 tons each year, providing clean air in the community. In addition, these trees will provide an annual financial benefit of $1,000 for ecosystem services; this is a measure that puts a financial value on the flood damage, air pollution, and other problems the community would face if these trees were not in place to help minimize these issues. Street trees also act as traffic calming devices; trees subconsciously keep driver speeds slower which results in reduced crashes and decreases the severity when crashes do occur.
Donations to this project were kicked off by a $5,000 matching challenge grant which was quickly achieved. This success, in less than 48 hours, inspired a second $5,000 matching challenge which was also met within 48 hours. Later, inspired by a Livingston County News story (subscription required) on the project Barefoot Septic stepped up to donate 6 large trees to the project in celebration of their 60th anniversary coming up in 2021.
“Barefoot Septic & Sewer, Inc has been serving this community since 1961 and we are proud to be celebrating 60 years in business. We love this area and we are grateful to all our faithful friends and customers. We are thrilled with the opportunity to replace some of the trees that have been lost to the emerald ash borer in recent years. Many thanks to all of our friends and customers, and to the Genesee Valley Conservancy!” - Scott Barefoot
Trees planted this fall include: bitternut hickory, sugar maple, black maple, hackberry, kentucky coffee, red oak, swamp white oak, black birch, yellow birch, yellow wood, american sycamore, and white oak. A diverse selection of species will help minimize future large-scale removal efforts from other invasive species. Similarly, the varying age range of trees planted this year and in future years will help hedge against any drought or other year-specific conditions that would limit the success of establishing the trees.