Lakes Region Inns Continue to Support Greater Meredith’s Beautification and Conservation Efforts

Last year for Arbor Day, the Town of Meredith celebrated by planting two Princeton American Elms in Community Park on Main Street as part of a tree planting project through the Beautification & Conservation Fund, an ongoing venture of The Greater Meredith Program.  The group raises funds for the maintenance and planting of trees throughout the community, and The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls has played a major role in the success of the program.

Since 2009, this Lakes Region resort has contributed nearly $41,000 to the fund, allowing over 30 medium and large trees to be planted throughout Meredith Village.  The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls collects voluntary donations of $1.50 per night from guests at to support the effort.  Harbor Hill Campground in Meredith also collected a $1.00 voluntary donation from their guests and contributed over $800 to the fund in 2010.

“We are very proud to call Meredith home and to help raise funds for this beautification program to maintain the existing tree-scapes and add to the natural scenery along the Route 3 and 25 corridors,” says Rusty McLear, president and CEO of The Inns. “We are also proud to partner with the Town of Meredith, and the many other community members who are true collaborators and active participants with us in this effort.  The partnership between The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls and the Town of Meredith has helped to not only bring new visitors to our town but also to help maintain and enhance Meredith’s natural beauty.”

The Beautification and Conservation Fund of Meredith was established in January of 2009 to bring streetscape trees to the village’s core area and the Route 3 and 25 corridors.  So far, the organization, along with several businesses and private citizens, has planted eight Maple trees, an October Glory Maple, two Princeton American Elms, an ornamental Crabapple tree, nine large Red Maples, and two “Valley Forge” Elms, with eight more being planted around Main Street this spring.

“These tree plantings have helped the Town of Meredith qualify as a Tree City USA community again in 2010,” says McLear. In order to quality for Tree City certification, a town or city must meet certain standards established by The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of Foresters to ensure the community has a viable tree management program.   Adds McLear, “Receiving Tree City certification allows the Town of Meredith to receive extra opportunities for external funding.”

The Inns are pleased to help in the beautification of what McLear says is an “already magnificent part of New Hampshire.”  We hope to see you enjoying the beauty of Meredith soon!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: daryl_mitchell at Flickr.com

Meredith Honors Arbor Day

Meredith just keeps getting prettier!  This Friday, April 30^th is Arbor Day, and the Beautification and Conservation Fund of The Greater Meredith Program has coordinated with the town and private citizens to place two Princeton American Elm Trees in Community Park on Main Street as part of the second phase of its tree planting program in Meredith.  The organization also plans to plant approximately 25 trees on both public and private land in Meredith over the course of this summer.

The fund’s first phase began in June of 2009, when eight maple trees were planted on the new section of Boynton Road, and in July, a lovely October Glory Maple was placed in the roundabout.  A third phase of approximately 15 trees is planned for next summer.

By planting the trees in Community Park this Arbor Day, the Town of Meredith will qualify as a Tree City USA community again this year.  In order to quality for Tree City certification, a town or city must meet certain standards established by The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of Foresters to ensure the community has a viable tree management program.  Receiving this certification will allow the town to receive extra points for external funding.

The Beautification and Conservation Fund of Meredith was established in January of 2009 to bring streetscape trees to the village’s core area and the Route 3 and 25 corridors.  The fund is generated by donations from guests staying at Harbor Hill Campground, the Meredith Inn, and the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls, where each guest pays a voluntary $1.50 per night toward the fund.

Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.  It is celebrated on the last Friday of every April.  Many communities and private groups, including The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls, will also be planting new trees on this day!  Come on down and join in the fun!

Image credit:  James Jordan at Flickr.com