Tree Board Meeting June 19, 2026

Summary

The Harbor Springs Tree Advisory Board met on June 19, 2026, to discuss ongoing and future projects including street tree planting with gator bags, the Arborfest event checklist and publicity, a proposed tree giveaway program for private properties to increase urban canopy, and collaboration with local schools on environmental projects like a tiny forest. They reviewed the 2026 project matrix focusing on a tree management plan, tree health assessments, and outreach efforts. Discussions included staff capacity for tree care, potential funding sources including local foundations, and the importance of prioritizing projects to align with city goals. The meeting concluded with plans to continue outreach and funding efforts and to revisit staffing and management plans in future meetings.

Agenda items

• Call to Order / Roll Callpending
• Approval of Minutespending
• Board Communicationspending
• Public Commentpending
• Arbor Fest 2026 Planningpending
• Street Tree Updatepending
• Community Outreachpending
• New Businesspending

• Chris to continue as staff liaison and oversee tree management plan developmentOpen

• Molly and Carol to coordinate calls to local tree suppliers and removal companies for tree donationsOpen

• Kathy to contact her mother for foundation contacts and assistance with drafting funding request lettersOpen

• Board members to research local foundations and donor advised funds for potential tree program fundingOpen

• Plan publicity efforts for tree giveaway program and Arborfest sponsorship recognitionOpen

• Prepare for July meeting with ideas for educational workshops related to trees and environmentOpen

• Follow up with schools on potential collaboration for tiny forest projectOpen

• Develop logistics for tree giveaway program including ordering, storage, and distributionOpen

• Continue updating and refining Arborfest checklist and signageOpen

• Assess staff training needs and capacity for urban forestry responsibilitiesOpen