A magnificent tree has long been the emblem of Pittsfield Township, and symbolizes the value the community places on trees. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, County and Township agencies, and generous donors, trees are being added to many of Pittsfield’s parks. In years to come, residents will enjoy the benefits of trees planted through these various programs. Parks with mature shade trees, pleasant picnic tables, and wildlife habitat improve the quality of life for residents and help maintain a community’s property values. The environment and public health are improved when trees are planted, keeping air and drinking water clean.
In 2005, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources awarded a grant to Pittsfield Township to replace Lillie Park's 67 landscape green ash trees lost to the emerald ash borer infestation. In addition, the park's forest stewardship plan called for additional tree planting to restore nature walk areas. The spring project installed 144 trees of diverse and primarily native species, including black and red oaks, red and silver maples, aspen, honey locust, river birch, linden, black walnut, and serviceberry trees. Additional trees were planted from memorial gifts by township residents and civic groups.
Montibeller Park received a major tree planting enhancement in October, 2004, with the addition of 59 trees. The park's soil types and possible impact from human activities were carefully studied, so that the trees selected for planting would fluorish. With some challenging conditions present, the preparation for planting was important. The project was funded through a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources DTE Tree Planting Program, and the Township's tree mitigation fund.
In the small park behind the Public Safety and Administration buildings, 150 trees and bushes were planted in June, 2003, as a wetland buffer. They were purchased by Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner Janis Bobrin’s office and donated to Pittsfield Township for the park.
Harry Sheehan, Environmental Manager from the WCDC, worked with a dozen local volunteers to plant the Black Cherries, Highbush Cranberries, Red Maples and American Beeches. All of the plants are available from the Washtenaw County Conservation District, and thrive in wetland boundary areas. Wetland buffers are important to protect habitat and drinking water that comes from wells.
Individuals and families have given trees to Lillie Park North and Montibeller Park. Generous donors often designate these as memorial tributes to loved ones, with names placed on a permanent plaque. Trees, shrubs, and picnic tables can be purchased through the Parks and Recreation gift program. Gifts to Pittsfield’s parks are tax deductible; more information is available at (734) 822-2120.
In the fall of 2002, the Township implemented two DNR Forestry grants in Lillie Park. Seventeen trees, including oaks, maples, white pine, cedars, and basswoods, all 2 1/2 inches in diameter, were planted. These trees and existing park tree species are identified by new interpretive signs presenting historical and botanical information.
Developers are also giving trees to Pittsfield’s parks. While the Planning Commission strives to save trees in areas that are being developed, some beautiful mature trees may be lost. Township standards require many trees to be replaced if they cannot be saved. In the past, the mitigation could only be done on the site being developed.
The Planning Commission updated this standard to address situations where all of the trees cannot be replaced on-site. Developers may now contribute trees to public areas, after as many as possible are mitigated on the developed site. The Township is using these funds to leverage grant monies, with the overall fund dedicated to tree restoration in parks and public areas.
