Shade Tree Commission

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Members

Nancy Brennan-Hill, Co-Chair
Term Expires: December 31, 2027
Adam Brown, Co-Chair
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
Deborah Steinbaum, Secretary
Term Expires: December 31, 2026
Andrew Gorman
Term Expires: December 31, 2025
Tim Hlavacek
Term Expires: December 31, 2027
Mehdi Manii
Term Expires: December 31, 2025
George Wolfson
Term Expires: December 31, 2025
Victoria Van Dyke, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Board Liaison
Term Expires: December 31, 2025
Siobhan Winograd, Village Council Liaison

Mission Statement

The Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission's (STC) purpose is to promote, protect, preserve and enhance shade trees in the Village. Shade trees are defined as trees planted next to streets on the Village' property. The STC's goals include:

Educate the community about the contribution shade trees make to the Village environment
Increase the number of municipal trees planted by advising the Village Council on best arboricultural practices, and advocating for the funding of tree planting and maintenance.

Brief History

The Village Council appointed the Shade Tree Commission in 2014. In fact, this was a reestablishment of a Shade Tree Commission that was active for several decades during the mid-1900s and was responsible for planting many of the trees we continue to enjoy. Today, the STC is a committee comprised of volunteers serving three-year terms. Learn more about the History of Shade Tree Commission.

Current Status

The Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission has been officially recognized by the state. Our Community Forestry 5 Year Plan was approved in January 2017. This approved status will allow us to apply for grants to maintain and plant shade trees. Currently, we are planning on surveying all Village street trees. There are more than 10,000. This inventory will indicate species, size, age, condition, exact location and also inform us about empty spaces in need of planting.

How YOU can get involved:

Request a municipal tree to be planted in the public right-of-way.
Encourage involvement of community groups in tree planting/adopting programs.
Volunteer your time to help maintain trees by participating in "Mulch Monday" or the Adopt-a-Sapling program.
Donate your time, talents and/or dollars to the Shade Tree Trust Fund.
Amplify our message throughout the community by sharing on social media or simply talking about shade trees.

Village Code Regulations

There are general guidelines and regulations such as recommended trees, planting locations and setbacks that apply to planting Shade Trees. The STC is in the process of developing additional materials to encourage successful planting or replacing shade trees.

View the Village Rules and Regulations.