The Church of Christ has removed three Norway maple trees from its grounds in a continuing effort to support native pollinators and wildlife. Over the past few years, the church has taken out its invasive burning bush shrubs, planted a pollinator garden in memory of Eve Thew, and participated in No Mow May. Most recently, the congregation voted to continue this progress by replacing the three invasive trees. 

Norway maples are non-native landscape trees that produce huge crops of seeds that the wind and waterways carry into our woodlands. There, the trees grow rapidly, shading out native wildflowers and trees. Norway maples also support very few caterpillars, an important food source for birds and other wildlife.

Next spring, the church plans to plant native sugar maples to replace the Norway maples. Sugar maples provide gorgeous fall color and can host more than 300 species of caterpillars. The hope is that the native trees will attract birds, bees and butterflies, while making the church grounds even more beautiful.