TimesLeader.com

January 2
Shade Tree Commission seeks sponsors

By Christopher J. Hughes chughes@theabingtonjournal.com

CLARKS SUMMIT – Formed with the intent to help residents and the borough itself, the Clarks Summit Shade Tree Commission has struggled to fulfill its mission since its creation in August 2006. Federal and state funding for groups like the Shade Tree Commission ceased shortly before the group’s organization, and none currently exist for the removal of dead and diseased trees or the planting of new ones in their place, according to John Adcroft, one of the group’s commissioners.

John Adcroft, one of five commissioners of the Clarks Summit Shade Tree Commission, stands along South State Street. The Commission has introduced an Adopt A Tree program to aid its mission of removing dead and diseased trees and replanting new ones in the borough.

Abington Journal Photo/Christopher J. Hughes

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To date, the Clarks Summit group has removed 18 dead and diseased trees in the borough. They have also planted three trees at the Clarks Summit Fire Company, 321 Bedford St., and 11 more along Grove Street, from Colarusso’s to the Abington Youth Center with help from the Clarks Green Shade Tree Committee.

Adcroft and the rest of the group’s commissioners hope members of the community will help them continue their mission.

The commission has started an Adopt A Tree program for residents and business owners in Clarks Summit and surrounding townships and boroughs. Interested parties can purchase a new tree and a marker recognizing their donation for $150, but Adcroft noted that any and all donations are welcome and appreciated. So far, close to $1,500 has been raised over the course of two weeks, through donations from Clarks Summit, South Abington, Waverly, Glenburn and other surrounding communities.

“The initial response has been most gratifying,” Adcroft said, noting that he and fellow commissioners including Charles Busalacchi have called about 50 business owners with more left to contact. “The benefit derived from this project can be unbelievable. This is a positive project for future generations, and that’s what I’m most interested in.”

The benefits of removing dead and diseased trees and planting them with new ones are countless, Adcroft said. Removal of dead trees within 25 feet of borough roads keeps residents safe and eliminates dangerous conditions for drivers and homeowners alike. Trees improve air quality, reduce storm water runoff and noise pollution, provide shade in the summer and block harsh winter winds and provide additional benefits, according to Adcroft.

The group will order trees with the money raised from this drive in February, and additional orders will be placed throughout the year, Adcroft said. The group currently orders trees in bulk at a reduced cost from Buffalo, NY, but increased donations will allow the Clarks Summit Shade Tree Commission to support local tree farms and retailers.

“We’re moving forward, and we hope to be successful in our endeavor,” he said. “We’re thankful for the support we’ve received on behalf of the future generations who will reap the benefits.”

Want to donate?

What: Clarks Summit Shade Tree Commission Adopt A Tree Program

Info: Businesses and residents may adopt a new tree and have a marker placed recognizing their donation for $150. Donations of any size are appreciated. For more information, call John Adcroft at 587-2928 or Charles Busalacchi at 586-5227.

Checks may also be made payable to the Clarks Summit Shade Tree Commission and sent to the Borough of Clarks Summit, 304 S. State St., Clarks Summit, PA 18411-1592.