Bald Cypress tree in Binney Park
On a chilly November Sunday, more than 40 people braved the weather for a walk in Binney Park, including people from Greenwich and tree lovers from as far as Fairfield.
Tree lovers all, they shared their enthusiasm for trees by asking many thoughtful questions about the trees of the guides for the walk, Dr. Greg Kramer, Greenwich’s Superintendent of Parks and Trees and Lisa Beebe, Curator of the Town Arboretum.
This walk was especially meaningful since it highlighted the improvements to the Park by the Binney Park Advisory Committee, including adding a patio to the Gazebo and new plantings around it.
The Advisory Committee is planning to add connecting trails in the near future so it will be easier to navigate the park to take it all in. It’s amazing how many diverse tree species are in the Park. The walk started at a Bald Cypress tree, a conifer that loses leaves and is one of the few trees that can grow in water. After a hurricane has hit Florida, this tree is one of the few left standing.
Next up on the itinerary was a Red Horse Chestnut tree for which Lisa Beebe installed an identifying plaque as part of the Town Arboretum in Binney Park.
The walk continued with a viewing of a Sweet Gum Tree, a Larch tree, a River Birch tree, and a Dawn Redwood. This walk only touched on a small portion of tree landscape of the park. Future walks will be held in the spring when the trees will be in bloom and the weather is warmer.
The Conservancy urges Greenwich residents to visit the park. Maps for all the Town Arboretum are available at greenwichtreeconservancy.org