Protecting and Preserving Our Trees

The Bay Village Tree Conservancy educates and encourages community residents to preserve and care for trees, identifies suitable tree-planting sites, advocates for tree-protection policies, and supports partnerships to protect and augment community trees and habitats.

Help our cause by volunteering or donating to the Bay Village Tree Conservancy efforts.

We are committed to protecting the Bay Village tree canopy.

WHAT WE AIM TO DO — Preserve, protect, and restore BV's tree canopy through education, tree assessment programs, tree planting programs.

The Bay Village Tree Conservancy—a citizen-run 501c(3) nonprofit founded and managed by longtime Bay Village residents—advocates for timely and proactive legacy tree assessment and preservation efforts and the prompt replacement of weakening or removed legacy trees on private property. BVTC supports and encourages community-wide efforts to sustain and restore our beautiful and beneficial tree canopy, and educates residents on planting, preserving, and caring for trees.

This is how we ensure future generations can enjoy the same benefits Bay Village’s strong tree canopy has provided for over 200 years.

Educate.

Learn how to be a tree advocate.

Preserving our trees with knowledge and attention.

Restore.

It's all about planting new canopy trees.

The Problem — 10% Canopy Loss

Everyone sees the lawn scars left by our lost legacy trees.
‍
Bay Village’s tree canopy is rapidly diminishing (like many Northeastern Ohio communities), along with its ecosystems and habitat. All Bay Village neighborhoods—east to west—have lost too many trees. Once an abundant resource, our stately legacy trees are now increasingly scarce. Sadly,residents rarely plant new trees to replace removed trees.

The canopy that beautifully shaded our homes for generations now desperately needs our help. Countless sites in Bay that once had towering legacy trees are now shadeless and barren. Bay has lost an estimated 10% of its tree canopy over the last 10 years. This loss continues and will accelerate unless Bay residents take action to support solutions.

Why Are Trees So Important?

"Trees are environmental and human-health powerhouses. When planted in the right place and for the right reason, they hold the key to a healthier planet."—Arbor Day Foundation

Trees Do Many Essential Things:

• Absorb carbon dioxide
• Shade and beautify our neighborhoods.
• Reduce UV exposure.
• Increase property values.
• Improve privacy.
• Reduce noise transmission.
• Substantially lower utility bills.
• Improve water retention.
• Reduce erosion.
• Improve air quality.
• Provide habitat for birds, wildlife, and insects.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Canopy Report concludes that Americans have a “profound affinity for trees enriching our lives, our communities, and the planet.”  
The report finds:

• 90% of Americans say trees contribute to their mental well-being.
• 87% believe planting trees helps fight climate change.
• 91% believe deforested trees need to be replaced with new plantings.

Loss of the canopy and its unique benefits reduces our quality of life. When healthy legacy trees are cut down, the removal alters and usually diminishes the neighborhood character, charm, and environment.

“We used to be surrounded by trees all along the back of our houses. Now it’s barren.”

Normandy Rd. resident

“I’m convinced our basements keep flooding because all the canopy trees are gone.”

Canterbury Road resident

“I love my trees but I’m afraid they’ll damage my house. What can I do to stay safe?”

Saddler Rd. resident

The Solution:

Fortunately, protecting and restoring the canopy is readily achievable with education, resources, community support, and dedication.

Every resident of Bay Village has a stake in preserving our tree canopy. By supporting BVTC and joining our efforts, you'll be part of a dedicated team determined to sustain and preserve our residential forest. Let's plant a tree together.

What can you do to help?

Plant A Canopy Tree

Take the initiative and plant a legacy tree on your property to replace trees we’ve lost.

We strongly encourage residents to plant the following canopy-scale tree varieties (all indigenous to Bay Village):
‍
• Oak (we recommend White Oak)
• Maple
• Sycamore
• London Plain
• Honey Locust
Support BVTC

Care for Your Trees —
Use Tree Health and Risk Assessments

The trees towering above our homes are at least 75 years old. Some are reaching the end of their lifespans, while others have 100 or more years to go.

To know with confidence what’s right for your trees (and ease your fears), consult a qualified arborist specializing in tree health and preservation to assess their health and maintenance needs. You can save a tree or extend its life substantially just by understanding its condition and risks—and your options.
Tip: We’re happy to recommend trusted arborists focused on tree health, risk management, and longevity.

Talk to Your Neighbors About Trees

Encourage your neighbors to plant new legacy trees and maintain existing trees on their property.

‍
Sometimes all it takes is a conversation. Work together to get educated on how to care for trees and avoid their removal. And if your neighbor needs assistance or information, send them our way and we’ll support their tree-planting and assessment process.
Support BVTC

What Can BVTC Do To Help You?

BVTC's "50/50" PROGRAM — Our “50/50” Program for Bay Village residents makes planting and assessing trees simple and
affordable. With this incentive, everyone can be part of restoring Bay’s tree canopy.
‍
Financial and logistical support from BVTC
— If you want to plant a tree on your property or need a tree assessment, BVTC invites you to participate in the “50/50” Program. We’ll pay 50% of the cost of planting or assessing canopy trees on your property—and help source appropriate trees and planting services. This program is available to all Bay
residents for approved tree varieties, subject to some limitations.
‍
Here’s how to participate in the 50/50 Program — Simply submit your email request by clicking below. We’ll contact you directly to review Program details and your property’s planting or assessment needs. BVTC carefully examines every opportunity to support restoration of the canopy in Bay. Let’s plant or save a tree together!
 

Join BVTC's "50/50" Program

Community Forum

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, 6:30PM — Bay Village Police Community Room

We will present an overview of why Bay is losing its canopy, why that matters, and what we as a community can do to correct course. Attendees will have an opportunity to share concerns, questions, and ideas.

We look forward to introducing BVTC, its missions, and discuss how you can get involved by participating in our various committee projects.
‍

Guest Speakers

David Robinson, Bay Village Urban Forestry Manager
‍Sean Fenton, Bartlett Tree Services Arborist Rep., TRAQ Cert.
‍BVTC Executive Committee Members  


JOIN OUR RAFFLE — WIN A $250 PETITTI GIFT CARD
Sign up by attending our September 3 event and you'll be entered to win!
‍

Support Our “25 Trees in 2025” Campaign

Our annual goal for Bay Village
• Plant 25 – 50 new canopy-scale trees, especially in areas with heavy canopy loss.
• Facilitate 25 – 50 tree assessments in Bay Village to help property owners protect their trees’ health and avoid tree removal.

How will BVTC use the funds you donate?
• Donations in any amount are welcome and appreciated.
• Donors can request that funds donated be dedicated to a particular BVTC program or to pay for the planting, assessment, or treatment of a specific tree in a specific location.

Funds donated are used for direct support of tree plantings and tree assessment services, and for educational and advocacy activities. 90% of funds donated go into the community to support property-owner efforts to maintain and restore the canopy. Under 10% of donated funds will finance BVTC’s administration and management. All BVTC’s directors, executive committee members, and committee members volunteer their time and energy to ensure program objectives are attained. The BVTC website is fully secure and conforms to all industry standard protocols to ensure the safety of financial information.

BVTC is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

Support BVTC
Volunteer | Plant | Educate

How to help

‍Join a Committee

Volunteer by joining one of our program committees and/or making yourself available for committee on-the-ground community activities.
• Fundraising committee.
• Planting / Assessments committee.
• Community Outreach committee.

Email us at staff@bvtrees.org learn more about BVTC committee projects, programs, and volunteer needs.

More Support for Conservancy Efforts
‍
• Attend BVTC public meetings, fundraisers, and activities.
• Follow us on social media and spread the word about BVTC programs.
• Vote for city leaders who support tree-friendly policy.
Email at staff@bvtrees.org
Tree Plantings | Donations | Education | Preservation

Support BVTC

Your donation makes all the difference in funding our mission. See what your contribution helps plant!

Donate to BVTC
Be sure to check your email for your tax deductible receipt.
New tree plantings and tree assessments 🌱🌳
Printing and distribution of educational materials đź“°
Future community tree-preservation efforts 🪴⚖️
🌳Donate Here 🌳
Volunteer with BVTC — How to Get Involved
‍Our cause is your cause. Join us by volunteering or donating to the Bay Village Tree Conservancy’s efforts.

How You Can Make a Difference

By supporting BVTC and joining our efforts, you’ll be part of a dedicated team determined to sustain and preserve our legacy trees. Let’s plant a tree together.

Through our volunteers we’ll “spread the word” about the conservancy and its mission (an army of advocates).
Volunteer at staff@bvtrees.org