Land and Natural Resources

Westfield is Tree City USA!  

In 2004 Westfield was recognized as a Tree City USA.  To qualify as a Tree City USA community, each city or town must meet four national standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.  These standards were established to ensure that every qualifying community would have a viable tree management program and that no community would be excluded due to size.

To learn more, go to Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA page.

Land & Natural Resources History

The Land and Natural Resources division manages over two hundred acres of park land and school sports fields, as well as an additional five thousand acres of forest land.  The division has undergone many changes over the years, and like the land it oversees, it will continue to change.  Here is a short overview of some of the many challenges the division has seen throughout the years.

By the late 1800s, plant care had become an established and rapidly growing profession.  During that same era, expanding industrialization and urbanization were adding new stresses to trees, and the detrimental effects were becoming apparent.
History Tree and Ladder

Before the advent of small, one-man chain saws and aerial lifts, all tree work was performed manually.  Fortunately, the climbing gear and saws have evolved to make tree climbing safer and more efficient.



History Moving Tree

Techniques for moving large trees was a major emphasis or arboriculture in the 1930s and 1940s.



History Man on Rope

Following World War II, the well-dressed tree surgeon wore surplus military britches and high-lacing boots.  Climbers used manila ropes and a bowline on a bight served as a saddle until bosun's seat and barrel stave saddles were introduced.




History Men Cutting Tree

Chainsaw demonstration - 1949