Grant to help beautify Derby

Funds will be used to plant mature trees

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto recently announced the city was awarded a $2,200 grant from the Connecticut Urban Forest Council.

Derby was one of  just a few communities to receive this grant, she said.

CUFC’s mission is to promote urban and community forestry programs in Connecticut. 
To honor this, the funds  will be used to plant up to  10 mature trees at several locations  throughout the city.

“Most of the new trees will replace ones that had to be cut down due to damage or disease,” said Anthony DeFala, public works director.

"Unfortunately, our budget doesn’t always allow us to replace them, so this grant is greatly appreciated.”

In keeping with CUFC’s mission, Derby will be planting native species including poplar, mulberry and maple trees.

Unlike many introduced species, once established, native plants do not require fertilizer, pesticides, or watering.

And the new trees won’t just look pretty.

Wherever possible, trees with phytoremediation qualities will be planted. Such trees have the ability to absorb pollutants.

This form of environmental remediation has become increasingly popular as an effective and low cost way to remove soil contaminants.

Dugatto said, “I am thankful to CUFC for giving Derby the opportunity to beautify our city. I also applaud our public works department for taking the initiative to use this green investment in a way that will leave our city a little better than we found it.”

This is a press release from the City of Derby.