The West Hartford Tree Project, now in its sixth year, distributed 1,000 trees and shrubs on April 25, 2026.

By Ronni Newton

Cumberland Road was a bevy of activity on Saturday morning, as smiling West Hartford residents of all ages wandered among a selection of 1,000 potted trees and shrubs, choosing the the native plantings that would work best in their own yards.

Each year, on a Saturday that falls near Earth Week, the West Hartford Tree Project has distributed trees – at no cost – to West Hartford residents in an effort to restore the town’s tree canopy.

The West Hartford Tree Project is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and through a crowdfunding campaign last fall and the support of a Sustainable CT match, they raised more than $7,700 – nearly $2,000 more than the goal – to purchase the native trees and shrubs that were given away Saturday to residents or local businesses free of charge. More than 100 people donated to the most recent campaign, and there are 20 dedicated volunteers – including several who hosted a bake sale as an additional fundraiser on Saturday morning.

The West Hartford Tree Project was founded in 2020 by educators Ted and Carolyn Goerner – public school science teachers who were always passionate about the important role of trees in the environment and turned that passion into action. The Goerners recently moved to Bloomfield and while they are still on the board, they are thrilled that Tom Martin has taken over as the organization’s president. Leadership also includes Rachel Martin (secretary), and Chris Barthel, who is the treasurer and hosted the tree adoption event on his front lawn.

“In our six years, we have distributed over 30 different native tree species,” Ted Goerner said. This year, they procured a variety of 12 native trees, ranging from large to small. Species included Sycamore, Sugar Maple, Tulip, Swamp White Oak, Northern Red Oak, Black Birch, Shagbark Hickory, American Hornbeam, American Hazelnut, Chokecherry, Eastern White Pine, and Black Spruce.

Tom Martin said Saturday that all of the trees had been reserved in advance a few months ago, and more than 400 people were expected to pick them up during the day.

“All of our trees this year are grown by our trusted grower, NEWP,” Goerner said, and this year all were potted. In the early years many of the trees were tiny seedlings or plugs, but as the organization has grown so has the size of the trees they are able to procure.

When the Goerners started the West Hartford Tree Project, it was in response to witnessing the alarming loss of many mature trees in town – due to old age, climate change, disease, drought, high winds, and wanton cutting.

“The West Hartford Tree Project is dedicated to restoring and sustaining the tree canopy of West Hartford by advocating for the health and growth of trees in all neighborhoods,” according to its mission statement. “We engage communities in tree planting, care, and preservation, while fostering partnerships with local and regional organizations working toward environmental resilience and equity across the Hartford region and Connecticut.”

The West Hartford Tree Project website states: “Between 2010 and 2023, West Hartford lost more than 20% of its tree canopy  – and the decline continues. We’re here to reverse that trend. With every tree we plant, we’re helping to cool our streets, clean our air, strengthen our ecosystems, and build a greener, more resilient community. This is more than reforestation. It’s regeneration – of our environment, our neighborhoods, and our connections to one another.”

In addition to distributing the trees, the West Hartford Tree Project provides education about where and how the trees should be planted. Cages were also available at the distribution event, and donations of $5 each were suggested.

The organization holds workshops, provides guidance on distribution day, and offers tips on their Facebook page.

Donations to support the West Hartford Tree Project can be made through their website.

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