Emily Lyons, FOMT Director, ensures MBTS follows the required protocols for Tree City USA status each year.
John Round, MBTS Selectman, read the
Tree Proclamation at our 2025 Arbor Day Celebration held at Memorial Elementary.
Friends of Manchester Trees Hosts Renowned Climate and Forestation Researcher at Annual Summer Soirée
On Thursday, July 10, the Friends of Manchester Trees (FOMT) welcomed members to their annual Member Summer Soirée, held at the Manchester American Legion Hall. The evening featured special guest speaker Dr. William Moomaw, Professor Emeritus of International Environmental Policy at Tufts University and one of the lead authors of several Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change (IPCC) Reports.
Founded in 1973, FOMT has served as the primary benefactor for the planting and care of public trees in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Addressing an audience of over 90 members, FOMT Board President Jody Morse expressed heartfelt appreciation. “This evening is our way of thanking our members for your dedication to planting and preserving our community trees,” said Morse. “For 52 years, we have worked together to plant and care for our urban forest. Your continued support is essential to maintaining a thriving tree canopy in our town.”
During the event, two longtime champions of Manchester's urban forest were recognized for their decades of service. George Smith, former FOMT President and current Board Member, and Tom Henderson, the town’s Tree Warden, were each honored with awards celebrating their 30 years of dedication and leadership in advancing FOMT’s mission. Their contributions have played a critical role in shaping the town's green spaces and ensuring the health of its tree population.
Dr. Moomaw began his presentation by showing that the annual amount of carbon that forests remove from the atmosphere amounts to one-third of what humans emit from burning fossil fuels. His research argues that protecting intact forests is an important and underutilized strategy for mitigating climate change. He then posed the question, “How many smaller trees need to be planted to replace the ecological benefits of a single older tree?” The results are startling. It would take 465 new trees (25 feet tall) to equal the carbon dioxide sequestration of one large, mature oak canopy tree (100 feet tall). In short, Dr. Moomaw emphasized the critical need to preserve mature trees and complimented Friends of Manchester Trees for including preservation and maintenance as a central tenet of its mission. He also noted the benefits of FOMT’s recent focus on planting native species, which form essential symbiotic relationships with wildlife and strengthen the overall ecosystem.
The evening concluded with a renewed sense of inspiration among attendees, many of whom expressed deep appreciation for the work of FOMT’s dedicated board members and volunteers. The annual soirée not only celebrated accomplishments but also reinforced the shared commitment to environmental stewardship in the Manchester community.
2025 ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
Eastern Redbud Seedlings
Gifted to Fifth Graders
Each fifth-grade student received an Eastern Redbud seedling to take home and plant, fostering a hands-on connection to environmental stewardship.
Detailed instructions on how to care for and plant your seedling can be found by clicking button below.
Tree Arrival, Inspection & Planting!
For over fifty years, the Friends of Manchester Trees (FOMT) have enriched the town’s landscape by expanding its tree canopy, fostering a healthier and more beautiful environment. Continuing this proud tradition, on April 14, 2025, sixteen carefully selected trees arrived at Rosedale Cemetery Extension. FOMT members were on-site to receive them, working alongside our trusted partner, Antonio Hernandez, and his team at AH Tree Service. Under the leadership of FOMT Director George Smith, each tree underwent a thorough inspection to ensure the species and quality.
A special acknowledgment goes to FOMT Director Marlene Dolan and President Jody Morse for traveling to Pierson’s Nursery in Dayton, Maine, to personally select these trees. Their dedication exemplifies our commitment to ensuring the highest standards for Manchester’s urban forest.
With the financial support of our members and approval from the Department of Public Works, FOMT continues to plant trees along public streets, in parks, and within cemeteries. These efforts provide invaluable benefits, including cleaner air and water, enhanced biodiversity, and a more vibrant community.
Together, we are cultivating a greener, healthier future for Manchester-by-the-Sea.
Special Thanks to our Partners!
2025 Native Tree Selections
The photos below represent examples of the species as a mature tree.
Celebrating Community & Environmental Action
On April 8, 2025, the Friends of Manchester Trees (FOMT) and MECT proudly hosted a sold-out screening of Call of the Forest at the First Parish Chapel Hall. This special event brought together community members for an evening of meaningful discussion, environmental awareness, and shared commitment to a healthier planet. Guests enjoyed light appetizers, wine, popcorn, and cookies while engaging in thoughtful conversations inspired by the documentary’s message.
The film underscores a simple yet powerful call to action: if each person plants one tree per year for six years, we can collectively make a significant impact in combating climate change. The enthusiasm and support shown by attendees reflect the growing dedication to sustainability within our community.
For those who were unable to attend, we highly recommend renting Call of the Forest on Amazon Prime to experience its inspiring message firsthand. Together, we can foster a greener future — one tree at a time.
Matt Plum, President of MECT, and Leslie Waldorf, MECT Director, contributed to the success of the event.
Jody Morse, President of FOMT, introduced the film and provided relevant background to the film.
FOMT and MECT provided demonstratives of recent developments and gave out books about native trees.
Friends of Manchester Trees Host Native Plant Trust Speaker at Summer Soirée
On July 18th, 2024, the Friends of Manchester Trees (FOMT) held its annual Member Soiree with special guest speaker, Uli Lorimer, the Native Plant Trust's Director of Horticulture and author of The Northeast Native Plant Primer. Kurt and Therese Melden of Masconomo Street kindly offered their home for the gala event. Along with spectacular waterfront views, guests remarked about the property’s impressive collection of copper beech, oak, sweet gum, firs, tulip poplar, and even unique Frankenstein pear trees.
Founded in 1973, FOMT is the main benefactor for the planting of public trees in Manchester. Speaking to an audience of over 100 members, Board President Jody Morse expressed gratitude, saying, “This evening is our way of thanking you for your dedication to nurturing and planting our community trees. In the last fifty years, we've planted over 1,200 trees and we continue to rely on you to fulfill our mission. This year we planted 21 new trees and began treatments on our Beech and Ash trees which are facing threats from Beach Leaf Disease and Emerald Ash Borer. Your ongoing support is pivotal for maintaining a thriving tree canopy in our town.”
Lorimer’s presentation emphasized the importance of urban and rural 'street' trees that purify our air and water, provide essential cooling shade, support wildlife, and enhance mental health. He discussed the benefits of planting native species which form symbiotic relationships with local wildlife, strengthening the ecosystem. He also touched on effective planting methods such as the use of 'tree pits' and guards, and sourcing container-grown specimens. To conclude, he recommended a number of native species that would be suitable to expand and diversify our urban forest here in Manchester. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the hard work and dedication of FOMT Directors and volunteers.
Over a hundred members and guests attended the party, which celebrated an organization that has planted and cared for over 1,200 new trees in Manchester over the past fifty years.
Kurt Melden, host, and Stephanie Senecal, FOMT member. (Therese Melden, host, not pictured.)
Uli Lorimer, guest speaker, from the Native Plant Trust.
Uli Lorimer gave an engaging and informative lecture.
George Smith, former FOMT President and current Board Member, speaking to Jim Behnke who oversees FOMT's Neighborhood Shade Tree program.
Jody Morse, FOMT President, graciously thanks members and introduces guest speaker, Uli Lorimer.
KJ Carvalho and Emily Lyons, current Board Members greet members and assist with name badges.
Emily Lyons, current Board Member, speaking to Michael Carvalho about FOMTs successful Arbor Day initiative.
Soiree Guests mingle and enjoy libations and summer fare.
Tom Henderson, FOMT's Consulting Arborist, talking with guest speaker, Uli Lorimer, Native Plant Trust.
FOMT members enjoyed quintessential summer weather and beautiful vistas of Bakers Island and beyond.
To provide support for the planting, preservation, and care of trees in the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea.
The Friends...
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Provide funding for the planting of new Town trees.
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Encourage and foster the planting, preservation, care, and maintenance of trees and shrubs in the parks and public lands in the Town of Manchester.
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Advocate respect for the aesthetic, ecological, and horticultural value of trees for the benefit of every resident.
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Provide input to the Town regarding decisions for removal of dead or diseased trees.
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Research, assess, and communicate timely information for the care and preservation of trees in cooperation with Town leadership and residents' interests.
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Collect and disseminate timely information to appropriate public officials and concerned citizens regarding their care and preservation.
Discover the many programs we undertake to support our mission.
Join your neighbors in the Manchester community to ensure the health of our trees and natural beauty of our town.
Tree Arrival, Inspection & Planting!
April 2024
April 16, 2024, Martha Gubbins received her Neighborhood Shade Tree. She chose a lovely Kousa Dogwood.
