On Friday morning, representatives from Eversource and the Town of Jaffrey attended the planting of a swamp white oak on the lawn of the common in front of the Jaffrey Meeting House, in honor of the town’s 250th anniversary.
Bob Allen, vegetation manager for Eversource, said the tree was donated by Eversource as part of its Arbor Day celebrations, which included donations to 47 communities across all three states the company operates in.
Allen said the swamp white oak is a native tree that, in maturity, will reach 70 feet tall and is known for its bicolor leaves, with a dark green top and paler green or silvery undersides.
“They’re my favorite tree to plant for anniversaries and memorials because they’re beautiful,” Allen said.
Selectman Kevin Chamberlain thanked Eversource for its willingness to donate the tree to the town.
“They have been very helpful to the town in endeavors like this,” Chamberlain said.
Chamberlain also said the longevity of oaks means that, if it thrives, the tree could be there not only when the town celebrates its 300th anniversary, but maybe even its 500th.
“We hope it lasts for 300 years,” Chamberlain said.
Asplundh Tree Expert Company planted the tree, with Chamberlain, Town Manager Jon Frederick, and Conservation Commission member Carolyn Garretson in attendance to represent the town.
Following the planting in Jaffrey, Allen also attended a planting of a pine tree at the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, which he donated as an individual to denote the cathedral’s nondenominational and open nature.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertran script.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.