Discussion: Native Plants in Westwoods - May 29th - Guilford Library

Native Plants in West Woods: Identification, Value and Availability

The Guilford Land Conservation Trust and Guilford Free Library has generously sponsored my talk on Native Plants in Westwood to be held Wednesday May 29th at 7pm. During the talk I will identify a variety of native (and invasive) trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants common in West Woods and available for purchase in the nursery trade.  I will discuss the basic characteristics, habitat and landscape value of each plant and describe in what conditions they may be found and/or planted.  The goal of the talk is to familiarize listeners with common native plants which will enrich their experience in West Woods and offer ideas for plants they may be able to plant on their own properties.

A follow-up in-person West Woods walk is planned on the Sunday following the discussion.

Trees Planted at Calvin Leete Elementary School, Guilford

It was a pleasure to participate in planting seven new trees on the grounds at Calvin Leete Elementary school in Guilford. The administration, PTO, 4th Grade Give Back Funds, Clinton Nurseries, assistant Sarah Schluep and the kids together made this a successful and fun project. Can’t wait to see them all grow with our kids!

Trees include: Sugar Maples, Pin Oak, Red Maple and two Birch

Statement from Mr. Seal, Principal at Calvin Leete Elementary School:

The Calvin Leete PTO and volunteers completed a tree planting project on Thursday that was a year in the making. The planting was the culmination of a collaborative effort initiated and designed by volunteers and members of the Calvin Leete PTO beginning in the 2022-23 school year. The group was led by Crystal Gaudio, owner of Rubus Landscape Architecture, a Guilford based design firm specializing in native plants. Crystal has children in kindergarten and third grade at Calvin Leete. Matt Richards from Clinton Nurseries, also a parent of students at Leete, donated a wide selection of beautiful trees. The actual planting on Thursday was done by Crystal Gaudio and Sarah Schluep.

Prior to the planting, the group worked closely with the Guilford Public Schools Facilities Department to consider issues such as maintenance and impact on the fields in back of the school. Last year's Fourth Grade Give Back fundraiser provided funds for the project. Thank you to the Calvin Leete PTO last year and this year to make the project possible. Thank you to all the volunteers involved in the project for your expertise, effort, energy and funding to bring this memorable and lasting project to Calvin Leete!