Nearly three dozen Rutland Blooms volunteers beautified Rutland’s northwest neighborhood Thursday, May 26, planting dozens of trees along sections of Crescent and Grove streets.
“We planted some of the biggest trees we’ve planted so far, thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers,” Rutland City Forester Tim Smith said. “This is a great public-private partnership that significantly improves the look and feel of our neighborhoods.”
Funded through donations from nearly 20 individuals and businesses, the project included 56 trees, including many flowering species.
“Our employees look forward to this every year,” said GE Aviation’s Linda Miller, who coordinates their volunteers. “We can see an immediate impact, but even more important, the public is literally seeing a growing impact year after year.”
Green Mountain Power (GMP) created Rutland Blooms in 2013, and since then the program has planted hundreds of trees along city gateways, parks, and streets.
“It’s so great to see this initiative continue to grow, with so many donations and volunteers,” said Steve Costello, a Green Mountain Power vice president. “The work has had a tremendous impact on the streetscape, adding beauty and community pride.”