Saving Trees: How the Bay Tree Conservancy is Making a Difference

Suburban growth has brought a lot of new homes to the West Shore. But it has also cost the region in terms of lost tree canopy.

New neighborhoods sometimes mean the destruction of completely forested lots and acres. And new homeowners also take out existing trees. So do storms and old age.

In Bay Village, the Bay Tree Conservancy is making a difference in the fight to save local forestation.

“The mission statement of the Conservancy is to protect and preserve,” reports Tim Doyle, founder of the Conservancy. The Conservancy is working hard to replace lost trees.

“We started with basically just three guys, myself and two others,” reports Doyle. “We’ve grown to five board members and 15 to 18 volunteers. We have planted over 100 trees.”

They are being noticed. “We have had the Ohio Landscape Association approach us as well as the Cuyahoga County Land Conservancy to ask us to give a talk in September as well as Robert Brand at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. The Ohio Landscaping Association has contacted us. We have had people from other communities reach out to us for information on how we have been able to have such an impact in such a short period of time,” says Doyle. “We have raised almost $50,000. 100 per cent goes back to subsidizing the planting of trees to the benefit of all in Bay Village.”

The Conservancy  planted 30 trees this spring and plans to plant 20 to 40 more this fall. “We partner with Cahoon Nursery and David Tree of Medina,” says Doyle.

“Bay Village led the county in terms of tree loss,” he adds. “We are losing trees at an alarming rate. It has to do with homeowners wanting sunlight without consideration of shade for their neighbors and not understanding what the tree community provides, not only to your home, but to your neighborhood.

“The City Council has started to embrace us with a positive response. The mayor is equally acknowledging us. Law Director Mark Barbour is potentially looking at an impactful ordinance. We had a meeting in the public room at the police station which drew about 70 attendees, which tells you that this is impactful.”

Looking ahead, the Conservancy wants an ordinance where people have to apply for a permit for tree removal. “There can be  better track of tree removal,” says Doyle.

“We are not telling people that they cannot cut trees down. It is your property and right. But for the benefit of community understanding, what it does to sunlight and water absorption.  When you remove trees, water starts to sit.  Oak trees absorb gallons and  gallons of water. Losing them puts tremendous pressure on our sewer system.”

100 per cent of donations goes to planting trees. “We donate everything and we are doing it right. Planting the trees, cutting the cages, including water bags and sending follow-up notices reminding people to water,” says Doyle. Visit bvtrees.org to learn more.