Tree Board

Overview

Tree Board’s purpose is to:

  • Develop, implement and maintain an urban forestry management program
  • Develop standards and guidelines for planting, maintenance and preservation of public trees
  • Promote education of the general public on proper tree-care practices
  • Support efforts of other groups interested in urban forestry in the Town of Woodstock
  • Advise the Town Manager, Town Council, and appropriate Boards and Commissions on matters pertaining to municipal plantings, and the designation of historic or landmark trees

For more information regarding Woodstock Tree Board activities, please contact Ms. Joan Comanor, Chairwoman.

2022 Woodstock Tree Board Schedule of Meetings & Activities


February 8: Woodstock Tree Board meeting
April 12: Woodstock Tree Board Meeting
April 29: Woodstock Arbor Day
June 7: Woodstock Tree Board Meeting
August 9: Woodstock Tree Board Meeting
October 11: Woodstock Tree Board Meeting
December 13: Woodstock Tree Board meeting

Activities

  • Continue the implementation of the Urban Tree Canopy Plan, including promoting awareness of the undesirable aspects of tree topping; develop educational materials about desirable native trees for Woodstock; make public presentations on tree planting and care; manage Main Street trees
  • Continue the implementation of the Green Infrastructure Plan
  • Continue to promote the Tribute Trees Program
  • Continue to promote the Notable Trees Program
  • Continue to promote the Bee City USA Program
  • Plant trees and native plants and promote the importance of bees and pollinator plants
  • Celebrate Arbor Day and Bee City USA
  • Keep Woodstock residents informed and involved in tree planting and care

Achievements

Tree City USA
The Town of Woodstock is proud to be an 17th-year Tree City! This year the Town also won the Tree City USA Growth Award for the 10th year in a row, which exhibits above-average performance executing its tree program. The Tree Board recommends planting the "right tree" in the "right place" in order to maximize the Town of Woodstock’s Tree Canopy, in accordance with the Town Council-adopted Urban Tree Canopy Plan. Please find the recommended Street Tree and Shrub List (PDF).

Urban Tree Canopy
The Town Council unanimously adopted the Urban Tree Canopy Plan on November 1, 2011. Find out more information on the Plan, UTC Assessment, and what you can do to help Woodstock reach its goal of 30% tree canopy coverage within 20 years!

Virginia Trees for Clean Water
In 2013, 2014, and 2015 the Tree Board has earned the Virginia Trees for Clean Water grant. With those monies, the Tree Board and the Woodstock Enhancement Committee has worked together to plant and plan for several street trees!

Gold Leaf Award
In 2015, the Town of Woodstock was awarded the prestigious Gold Leaf Award from the International Society of Arboriculture.

Indian Spring Wetland
Indian Spring Wetland is an environmental, interpretive area located in the Town of Woodstock at 764 South Water Street. The Tree Board continues to look for funding opportunities to protect and maximize the education opportunities of a valuable wetland. Please access the Concept Plan (PDF) by Sympoetica.

The Indian Spring Wetland Observation Deck has been completed. It was completed with the attainment of a $50,000 grant (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through the Department of Forestry). View more information (PDF) about Indian Spring Wetland Park, and look for future development of the park area!

The Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River created an Educational Guide (PDF) for the Indian Spring Wetland. Although the guide is geared toward teachers who have SOLs to abide by with a great link to the wetland, it can be useful for citizens and visitors alike!

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first phase of the Indian Spring Wetland Master Design was held on July 20, 2012. Please, take a look at the pictures of the celebration, as well as the finished product.

On May 8, 2013, the Town accepted the Better Models for Development Award from Valley Conservation Council for Best Town Conservation Area. We have several phases to work on, but are proud of the accomplishment thus far. Check out the picture from the award ceremony. Find out more about the 2013 Award Winners throughout the Shenandoah Valley and VCC. Also, the Daily News Record wrote a nice article (PDF) with the highlights from the award ceremony.

Members

  • Sari Carp, Sustainability Matters
  • Stephanie Chapman, U.S. Forest Service
  • Aaron Grisdale, Town Manager, Town of Woodstock
  • Joan Comanor, Tree Board Chairwoman/Woodstock Enhancement Committee
  • Lee Dieter, Woodstock Resident/Retired Turf Manager
  • Mike George, Streets, Parks, Special Projects Supervisor, Town of Woodstock
  • Jill Jefferson, Urban Designer|Neighborhood Planner, Town of Woodstock
  • VACANT, Executive Director, Shenandoah County Fair Association
  • David Brotman, Executive Director, Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River
  • Matt Wolanski, Area Forester, DOF
  • Joe Lehnen, Urban Wood Utilization Coordinator, DOF
  • Warren Schennum, Certified Arborist
  • Katie Mercer, Director of Marketing & Events, Town of Woodstock
  • John Morrison, Woodstock Resident
  • Mary Younce, Lee District Ranger, US Forest Service
  • Brian Schennum, Arborist & Landscape Specialist, Town of Woodstock
  • Cecelia Latham, Shenandoah Garden Club & Woodstock Resident
  • Julie Cline, Woodstock Resident
  • Julie Dellinger Shenandoah Beekeeper