Chaplin Bicentennial Arboretum Commission

Chaplin Bicentennial Arboretum Commission

As a legacy of the town's Bicentennial Celebration, the Arboretum was dedicated in 2022 at Garrison Park. The mission of the Arboretum is to celebrate, enhance, and engage the public about the many benefits of some of New England's oldest and most well-loved native species as well as some selected non - native species.  The Chaplin Bicentennial Arboretum Commission was created by ordinance at the 2023 Town Meeting to oversee the upkeep of the Arboretum in collaboration with the town's Tree Warden.

The Commission consists of three members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The responsibilities range from overseeing tree care, replacement as needed, the maintenance of donor plaques, engaging volunteers to help maintain the trees and under the guidance of the Tree Warden, creating educational experiences for the public, fundraising, placing identification tags with QR codes on the trees, and eventually, becoming a nationally accredited Arboretum. Regular Meetings of the Commission are held on the 4th Tuesday in January, April, July and October at 3:00 PM at the Town Hall.

The guiding belief of the Bicentennial Arboretum Commission is that "every tree has a story." When strolling through the Arboretum at Garrison Park it is hoped that you will explore those stories using the educational materials that will be made available. As you wander among the trees here, read the commemorative plaques beneath them, sit, and enjoy the peace and quiet around you, our hope is that you will come to appreciate the contribution of the Arboretum to Chaplin's unique history within both northeastern Connecticut and "The Last Green Valley."

The Chaplin Bicentennial Arboretum Commission will meet quarterly on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 3 PM, at the Chaplin Town Hall. Regular Meeting dates for 2025 are scheduled for Februry 25, 2025; April 22, 2025; July 22 2025 and October 28, 2025.