OVERVIEW
The Shade Tree Commission has custody and control of the shade trees in the Borough. They are authorized to plant, remove, maintain, and protect shade trees on the streets of the Borough
For more information on the Shade Tree Commission, See Chapter 202 Article I of the Columbia Borough Code which can be found HERE
MEMBERS
Nora Motter Stark, Member
Caroline McGrath, Secretary
Amanda Hawn, Treasurer
Julie Lehmer, President
Emily Broich, Member
Find Volunteer Application HERE
Columbia Tree Society begins 2024 Membership Drive COLUMBIA - The Columbia Tree Society has begun their annual membership drive for 2024. The Society is the fundraising auxiliary for the Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission. Membership dues enable the Shade Tree Commission to purchase and maintain street trees in the borough. Over the last 33 years, the Shade Tree Commission has planted approximately 950 trees in the community as well as maintaining street trees and has received the National Arbor Day Foundation’s “Tree City USA” designation for 33 consecutive years. The Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission strives to encourage street tree plantings as well as in yards, parks, and public places, as trees retain large volumes of rainfall, thereby reducing and cleansing runoff. They also increase property values, reduce air pollution, calm traffic, and lower noise levels. Manageable storm water runoff results from abundant trees, multi-use catch basins and rain gardens reduces impervious surfaces, and increased ground vegetation. The benefits are lower costs and a more livable and sustainable environment. Shaded homes and tree filled yards make urban life more pleasant and provide practical benefits such as lower heating and air conditioning costs and increased re-sale values. The tree canopy is also a major contributor to storms and water runoff reduction. Serving as this year’s Honorary Chairperson for the Membership Drive is William H. “Bill” Kloidt, Jr. Bill is a lifelong Columbia resident. He and his wife Donna are the parents of two children, Gretchen and Elizabeth, and their sons-in-law Sean Sargen and Tim Smith. They are also the grandparents of Ethan, Liam, Lillie, Nolan, and Mason. Bill is a 1972 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and a 1977 graduate of Millersville University. He is a retiree of Branches Bank & Trust, now Truist Bank, where his career spanned 42 years. He now serves as the Executive Director of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, a post he held since 2020. He served on the Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission for 25 years and served on the Arbor Day Committee for 33 years. He is an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and serves on the Board of Directors of several service organizations in his hometown of Columbia. Please contribute to the Columbia Tree Society for 2023. Membership categories are as follows:
Student $ 5.00
Individual $10.00
Family $25.00
Business $50.00
Life $500.00
Please make a check payable and mail to:
Columbia Tree Society
308 Locust Street
Columbia, PA 17512
If interested in purchasing a Memorial Certificate for a deceased loved one, please submit their name and a check for $50 to the above address. A Memorial Certificate will be presented to the donor in their deceased loved one’s name at the annual Arbor Day Observance to be held on Friday April 26, 2024. The ceremony will be held at Columbia Crossing located at 41 Walnut Street. A copy of the Shade Tree’s Annual Report to Council can be requested by writing to or stopping by the same address above. Members of the Columbia Shade Tree Commission are Amy Evans - Chairperson, Julie Lehmer – Secretary, Amanda Hawn – Treasurer, Caroline McGrath, and Nora Motter-Stark.The Shade Tree Commission partners with the Columbia Park Rangers in maintaining street trees and park trees. If interested in participating, please contact a member of the Shade Tree Commission, or by calling the Columbia Borough office at 684-2467.
