New trees planted between the greenhouse and learning garden last fall

Press Release: January 9, 2013

Woodbridge, CT – With the help of local horticulturist, Bruce Lindsey, and his company, Dig Trees, Massaro Community Farm recently planted 150 trees to reclaim habitat, aid in erosion control and add much needed wind break in the ongoing farm operations. Massaro Community Farm totals 57 acres, which includes 12 acres of fields

“Part of the process of reclaiming this space is removing dead and invasive species from the land, and replacing it with native habitat that will support our pollinators,” said Farm Manager Steve Munno. Munno worked closely with Lindsey on the planting, and in selecting species that would complement the farm operation. Wind break trees that were planted included sugar maple, serviceberry, horse chestnut, chokeberry, tulip tree, tupelo and swamp white oak. Replenishment of native species included viburnum, button bush, elderberry and white meadowsweet.

Dig Trees, located in Orange, is dedicated to help the environment through tree planting. Lindsey takes pride in hand selecting trees that will be specifically suited to their location, only plants mature, healthy trees (not saplings), and personally overseeing all plantings.

This mass planting, completed just before the end of 2012, was made possible by a grant to the farm by the National Resources Conservation Service, a division of the USDA. The farm celebrated a series of other successes in 2012: receipt of organic certification, the installation of a solar array on the restored dairy barn, the expansion of cultivation and offerings through its CSA (community supported agriculture), a summer camp program in August, and an impressive farm-to-table dinner in September that doubled attendance over last year.

Massaro Community Farm is a non-profit farm on a 57-acre parcel of land in Woodbridge, Connecticut, 10 minutes northwest of New Haven. Our mission is to keep farming, feed people, and build community. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life for generations to come.