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| Oxford Government - Town - Village - Safety - Tree Board | |||||
Tree Board HistoryBy the 1980's a situation had developed in the Village of Oxford regarding the trees. Various groups and civic organizations had worked independently solving smaller needs, but not looking at the whole Village and its future. Back in the late 1800's North and South Washington and Albany Streets had a dense tree canopy formed of Elms and Maples. Now many of the Elms were destroyed by Dutch Elm Disease, and the Maples had either died or declined in health due to their environment. The Lions Club had a history of purchasing trees, and were responsible for plantings at the Oxford Library and at Mat Boname, M.D. Park. The pavilion and trees around the Oxford Municipal swimming pool were from the Oxford Rotary Club. The Oxford Garden Club sponsored an attempt to save the elms on LaFayette Park, and then replantings of trees there and on Fort Hill Park. They realized that in order to implement bigger, cohesive, and long-term changes, they needed to form a group that could be in charge of the various environmental and ecological challenges as well as coordinating the beautification efforts in the Village. A meeting of the Village of Oxford Board of Trustees, under Bruce Small, was held in the old Village Hall (located at that time in the Navy Island Block). That was when the "Oxford Tree Committee" was created. The first sanctioned, five person committee members then chosen were: John Godfrey - Chairman; Anna Stark; David Emerson; Jack Lewis; and Paul Seehausen. It was an advisory committee to the Board of Trustees.
A study was done of the trees and shrubs, and general appearance
of the
parks-- Washington & LaFayette Parks in the Village, and Boname
Park on
East River Road-- the Village itself, as well as the village pool
area.
Problems were assessed, improvements were suggested, a budget was
allocated, and a plan was made. Jeffrey, his father, Leo, and his brother, Gary, are all certified NYS Arborist members of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Chapter. This means that they have proven themselves by passing a comprehensive examination, developed by some of the nation's leading experts on tree care. Annually they must continue their education, and keep up-to-date on the latest techniques in Arboriculture, to maintain their certification. The Cook family business, located in Vestal, NY, has been taking care of the trees in Oxford even before there was a Tree Board, so they were very familiar with the situation. One of the biggest concerns, according to Jeff Cook, was the fact that so many trees had been planted at the same time, 80 - 100 years ago, and are declining in health. Many are considered "hazardous", and have been or need to be removed. Perhaps if they knew then, what we know now, about the long term health of "street trees", they wouldn't have planted all the same species of tree in one area.
In 1988, under Mayor Janet Seehausen, work was completed on new
sidewalks, curbing, and street lamps were added too. It was also
the
first year that the (original) Tree Committee began Arbor Day
celebrations, which became an annual tradition in the Village.
They gave
away small trees, donated by the Norwich
Pharmacal Company. The following year, 1989, marked the 100th anniversary of Arbor
Day, and
Oxford had a big celebration. Back then there was a pig roast and
a free
tree give-away. The festivities also included a "balloon launch":
balloons were marked with names and addresses, and the one that
was
returned from the furthest location, won a $50.00/U.S. Savings
Bond. The first ten trees were planted in Oxford Village as part of the Arbor Day Celebration. They were carefully researched and selected for their attractive leaves, form, (mature growth) size, rooting habits, hardiness and adaptability. These substantial nursery stock specimens were: 4 Ginkgo and 6 Sunburst Golden Honey Locusts. They added to the beauty of the area around LaFayette Park, and were just the beginning of tree plantings to come. Tree Board
Home | History | Street
Trees | Tree City USA Designation
and Arbor Day |
See the Calendar of Events or the Discussion Board for further details on all the following. Aug. 13th, 2 PM, Friday exhibition soccer: St Bonaventure Bonnies Div 1 Women's Soccer Team vs L.I. University Blackbirds at "the home of the Chargers" the Emerson Soccer Fields, Rte. 12. August 14th, 7:30 PM, The Puzzled Players at 6 On The Square. August 15th, new extended deadline for the Cable Survey Response from Oxford residents. Survey form available on this site, on government/village page. Your voice matters! August 16th-20th, 6-8 PM, UMC's Galactic Blast! Vacation Bible School at the McDonough Methodist Church. Aug. 18th, 25th, Sept. 1st, etc., 6-8 PM, Line Dancing (Wednesdays) at NYS Veterans' Home by B & B Line Dance. Aug. 19th, 26th, Sept. 2nd, etc., "Trapshooting Thursdays" at the Oxford Rod & Gun Club. August 19th, 7:30 PM, Open Mic at 6 On The Square. September 1st, the Common Cents Thrift Shop will take over the LeClar Auction House/The Gavel building. |
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