Case Study: West Hartford Tree Project
The West Hartford Tree Project is on a mission to preserve and restore West Hartford, Connecticut’s tree canopy.
The town of West Hartford, Connecticut, has lost thousands of mature trees in the last several years due to drought, storms, and invasive insects. Preserving the tree canopy has many benefits, including lower heating and cooling costs, higher property values, stormwater reduction, carbon sequestration, support of native fauna, cleaner air, noise reduction, fewer heat deaths, and a better overall quality of life.
The West Hartford Tree Project was launched in 2020 by Ted and Carolyn Goerner, longtime West Hartford science teachers. Since 2021, they have launched an annual crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to purchase and distribute seedlings. Through the project, they have collaborated with the CT Conservation District, West Hartford Leisure Services, Public Works, Eversource, New England Wetland Plants, and numerous community volunteers.
Since 2021, West Hartford Tree Project has used crowdfunding to plant & distribute 3,855 trees!
Impact by the Numbers
Each year, the project has improved the quality and number of species offered, as well as the number of residents receiving trees. The project has provided bare root seedlings, plugs, and potted trees to West Hartford residents who request trees. Since the project began, nearly 600 residents have requested trees. The project has also planted trees on town property, in public parks, and at other locations in need of a tree.
About Sustainable CT's Community Match Fund
Sustainable CT's Community Match Fund is an innovative crowdgranting program building more sustainable, healthy, and vibrant communities across Connecticut.
Whether you’re dreaming of more green spaces, solar for public spaces, greenways for biking and walking, murals and other public art, green jobs programs, or community gardens, the Community Match Fund can help make your great idea a reality by providing fast, flexible funding and support for sustainability projects that engage your Connecticut community.
