The Compo Beach palm tree was not in the plans. Its fate this winter is unknown.
But 2 other trees planted nearby last month were long expected. And they’re just the start of a new, Johnny Appleseed-like look by the shore.
Friends of Westport Parks & Recreation — formed in 2011 to help fund projects and services beyond the town budget — spearheaded a private program. As with benches, donors can plant trees honoring friends and loved ones. Funds cover planting, maintenance and replacement due to storm damage or death.
Specific species and locations — at Compo and Winslow Park — are determined by the tree warden, and Parks & Rec Department.
The 1st 2 trees honor a newly married couple who just moved here, and a family matriarch who recently died.
Irene Penny honored her grandmother — World War II veteran Evelyn I. Wright — with a lace bark elm.
The lace black elm …
Longtime Westporter George Schweitzer planted a red oak to celebrate the marriage of his friends Anne O’Grady and Skip Wells. Their new home is not far from the tree.
… and the red elm.
Besides the tree program, Friends of Parks & Recreation has raised funds for Wakeman Town Farm, and Longshore projects including the Cliff’s Place halfway house, and a storm shelter at the 9th hole.
To read more about the Friends group, click here.
