Check out Forestry is a financial and technical assistance package offered by VT UCF throughout 2025.  This project is designed to unite the practical benefits of trees with the vibrant role of public libraries in our communities. By enhancing library grounds with trees, we aim to support more inviting, functional, and sustainable spaces for everyone to enjoy. Whether reducing cooling costs, minimizing glare on screens and pages, adding beauty to outdoor event areas, or providing quiet places for outdoor reading, trees play a pivotal role in improving the library experience.

Applications for Check out Forestry were accepted in the spring and three libraries were selected as project partners: Hinesburg's Carpenter-Carse Library, Varnum Memorial Library in Jeffersonville, and Morristown Centennial Library.  Through this fall, staff and volunteers from each library work with our Urban Forester, Adz McCullough, to establish tree planting goals, assess the library grounds and design a planting plan, and implement a tree planting project.

Hinesburg's Carpenter-Carse Library was the first completed planting project; Library Director Jill Anderson worked with Adz to design a tree installation that would provide enhanced shade for outdoor programming, and screening around the building from traffic and noise.  Planting day was June 3rd: in the morning, children and caregivers from a reading hour participated in planting gingko trees at the front of the building.  In the afternoon, forestry majors from the University of Vermont planted 10 trees, transplanted small cedars to create a new hedge, and moved several yards of mulch.  

We're excited about the next two tree installations and are thankful to the volunteers and library staff helping to make this project a reality!