Tree Commission approves 2026 calendar, plans Salem Common planting
Tree Commission · Meeting of January 12, 2026
Salem Tree Commission approves 2026 calendar, launches Salem Common expansion. Chair Darleen Melis and Tree Warden Kieran Kavanaugh led approval of a 2026 meeting schedule and a Phase II landscape plan for Salem Common, funded by a private donor. Fall Greening the Gateway Cities grant plantings totaled 93 trees, 73 on private property and 20 on public land.
About 25 additional trees are needed to fill gaps at Salem Common. Licensed architect Naomi Cottrell is overseeing design, with Kavanaugh as project manager. Spring planting is planned for Salem and Lynn.
The city was not awarded this year's Cooling Corridors grant for replacing ginkgos at the Peabody Essex Museum.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 431 words
Source: the Tree Commission meeting of January 12, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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