A majestic Elm Tree on the grounds of First Church of Round Hill Road in Greenwich has sadly died and must be removed. The tree, which stands prominently on the corner Round Hill Road and John Street, is a source of peace and tranquility in back country.
The tree, which poses a danger to the church and roadway, will be replaced with a disease resistant Valley Forge Elm Tree at the recommendation of the town tree warden, that will eventually have a similar shape and be climate resistant.
John Conte was president of Greenwich Tree Conservancy when he died unexpectedly on April 22.
Over the years he was involved with many organizations around town. In addition to his 40 years of experience in arboriculture, landscape architecture and construction, he served on the boards of the Greenwich Land Trust, Greenwich Audubon, and Family Centers. He also had extensive leadership experience at the Round Hill Association and Greenwich Green & Clean.
Leslie Lee, who is serving as interim president of the board of directors of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy until a new president is elected at the organization’s annual meeting in January, said there are plans to dedicate the new tree in memory of Mr. Conte, who married his wife Kim in First Church of Round Hill in 1983.
The church is responsible for the tree removal, but Ms Lee said the Greenwich Tree Conservancy had been receiving contributions in Mr. Conte’s memory that they plan to use toward the stump grinding to make it easier to plant a new tree nearby, and to pay for the new tree.
She said Mr. Conte always loved the Elm Tree on the church property and noted that in fact, even without leaves its branches are gracious and impressive.
There are plans in the works for a planting ceremony in the fall when the weather has cooled down and the tree will have a better chance to get established.
In the meantime, a variety of organizations that Mr. Conte was involved with will have a chance to participate in funding the new tree as a lasting tribute to him and his love of trees throughout town.
The First Church of Round Hill in Greenwich dates back to 1810. The original church building was dedicated in 1828, and moved across the street to its current location in 1871.