By Cheryl Dunson
The Greenwich Town Arboretum is internationally accredited by ArbNet, the sole body which awards accreditation to arboreta worldwide. The Greenwich Tree Conservancy (GTC), in partnership with the Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation, submitted a successful application and our arboretum was established in 2016. Criteria for accreditation include: a governance group, 100+ labelled tree species, and educational programming. If you visit the ArbNet website, you will see the Greenwich Town Arboretum listed among arboreta from around the world, including Kew Gardens in London. To see our listing and learn about other arboreta visit: https://arbnet.org/morton-register/accredited-arboreta/all
A 2009 Historic Parks of Greenwich report commissioned by the Greenwich Division of Parks and Trees served as the guide for the establishment of the Greenwich Town Arboretum. The report provided a wealth of background information about our four historic parks which “launched” the Arboretum: Bruce Park, Byram Park, Binney Park and the Montgomery Pinetum.
Bruce Park, approximately 60 acres, is Greenwich’s oldest public park. It was established in 1908 through a bequest of Robert Bruce. In 1930, the Town paid for a survey and development plan for Bruce Park which is located on the south side of I95. Significant trees identified at that time included beech, maple, ash, cherry, dogwood and sycamore. Today, the oaks and sweetgums are particularly striking.
Byram Park, in southwest Greenwich, was established in 1919. It is approximately 30 acres and fronts Long Island Sound. The original acreage was a former granite quarry and the exposed granite cavities remain clearly visible today. In 1975, 10 acres were added to the east end of the park, part of a private estate then known as “The Anchorage.” Many mature deciduous and coniferous trees are part of Byram Park’s original section near the entry gate and near the playground. These mature species include oaks, tulip trees, and sugar maples.
The land for Binney Park in Old Greenwich was purchased by Edwin Binney in 1927 with the intent to deed it to the town exclusively for recreation and park uses. The design and construction of the park took over 4 years. It is interesting to note that James A.G. Davey of Davey Tree Company was Binney’s son-in-law and advised on the design of the park. Among other elements, the plan called for the planting of many trees and the creation of two small “lakes.” In 1933, Binney Park was dedicated. Tree species included pin oak, red maple, paper birch, tupelo, dogwood, hawthorn, and American ash.
The Montgomery Pinetum in Cos Cob is approximately 100 acres and is adjacent to the Pomerance and Tuchman town-owned properties. Colonel Robert Montgomery purchased the property known as “Wild Acres” in 1922. He and his wife developed the property adding gardens, paths and buildings including a high-ceilinged greenhouse for fruit tree propagation. Col. Montgomery established the Pinetum in 1930. He planted abundantly and eventually acquired over 850 coniferous species.
In 1945, he gifted his 200 best specimens to the New York Botanical Garden. After Col. Montgomery’s death in 1952, his wife approached the Town about donating the property with restrictions that it be used for walking trails, horticulture and the arts. The Town voted to accept the gift in 1953. Some conifer specimens planted under Col. Montgomery’s direction remain today along with many species of ornamental shrubs and trees.
Since the launch of the Greenwich Town Arboretum, the GTC has planted and labelled trees in our four historic parks and expanded to other areas like Greenwich Point, Cos Cob Park, school properties, neighborhood centers, and town-owned parking lots. Greenwich is unusual because our arboretum is truly town-wide. To date, we have labelled over 1350 trees! Residents can help us maintain tree labels in good condition. Whether due to storms, aging or occasional vandalism, sometimes labels come loose from a tree. We would appreciate the public’s help in notifying us via email at Arboretum@ GreenwichTreeConservancy.com if they see a label that is damaged, dangling, or missing.
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy’s mission includes helping to preserve our Town Arboretum as a living museum of trees and as a treasured community asset for current and future generations. The Arboretum collections include both specimens from native ecosystems and species representing botanical diversity from around the world. The GTC works to promote a deeper knowledge of trees through public events, educational programs, and through research. We are only able to do this work through the generous support of residents.
To find out more about the Greenwich Town Arboretum, our programming and more, visit us at www.greenwichtreeconservancy.org
Cheryl Dunson, Greenwich Tree Conservancy Advisory Board Co-Chair
