Amherst Public Shade Tree Committee

09/02/2026

Have you seen one in Amherst?
I had a friend see one in Springfield!

The lanternflies are here! Tawny Simisky, a UMass Extension entomologist at the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at UMass Amherst, has been watching the spotted lanternfly's northward spread through Hampshire County, MA—home to UMass Amherst—as this invasive insect is an exceptionally effective hitchhiker.

While the lanternfly can travel only a few miles on its own each year, Simisky explains that humans can inadvertently transport it much farther, as adults climb into vehicles or egg masses cling to cars and other surfaces.

Simisky recently spoke with MassLive and the Daily Hampshire Gazette about the spotted lanternfly's spread.

Learn more: https://www.umass.edu/natural-sciences/news/tawny-simisky-lanternflies-massachusetts

09/01/2026

Amherst Arbor Spotlight
https://www.amherstma.gov/3936/American-Beech
Native to North America, the graceful American beech tree has sweeping branches and a dense canopy. It is most instantly recognized by its striking, steel-colored bark—a smooth canvas that generations of teenagers have long favored for carving. Tragically, healthy American beeches are rapidly vanishing from Amherst, victims of a lethal leaf disease that has decimated the local population in just six short years.

08/07/2026

Applications are now being accepted for Governor Maura Healey's Youth Climate Council, where members will make recommendations for climate policy to the Governor and her team.

Applications are open to rising high school sophomores through seniors. Please share with interested youth! Online applications are here: https://www.mass.gov/forms/apply-for-the-youth-climate-council

More about the youth climate council here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/the-governors-youth-climate-council

08/07/2026

One of our supporters, Rizwana Kahn, wrote a great article:
https://www.amherstindy.org/2026/08/05/opinion-the-amherst-public-shade-tree-committee-planting-for-people-we-will-never-meet/

08/07/2026

Thank you for helping to make our annual picnic such a lovely event on Tuesday evening. I'm touched by everyone's dedication to our work.
One of our supporters, Rizwana Kahn, wrote a great article about the event. https://rzkhancom.wordpress.com/2026/08/05/shadetree/

08/07/2026

🏛️✨ We're excited to announce the the second annual 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁: 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆! This dynamic program is designed for residents to learn more about our local government, build connections with neighbors, and get involved in the community. Last year’s program was a major success and we're excited to welcome a new class of residents to join us this year.

This free program consists of 8 weekly interactive sessions where participants will learn about day-to-day Town operations, talk directly with Town staff, and follow along for behind-the-scenes tours. Our goal is for participants to not only leave with a stronger understanding of Amherst, but also with the tools to actively participate in shaping our community.

🗓 Dates: September 30 - November 18
🕘 Time: Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm (except the week of Veterans Day)
📍 Different locations across Town
🔗 Apply by Sunday, September 20: https://www.amherstma.gov/FormCenter/Community-Activity-Form-14/All-About-Amherst-Civic-Academy-Applicat-233

Applicants must be current residents of Amherst or students enrolled at a university/college in Amherst, and at least 16 years old. If you have questions, please leave a comment, message us, or email [email protected]

08/04/2026

Join us on the Amherst Common for our annual picnic. 5:30 today. Talk trees and get to know other shade tree lovers!

08/02/2026

Amherst Arbor Spotlight: Black Walnut

Black walnut is an abundant native species in Amherst. This large deciduous shade tree thrives in disturbed areas and is quick to populate barren roadsides and the edges of fields and forests. The trees produce delicious edible nuts, but they are nearly impossible to crack open. In fact, their thick shells are so strong that NASA uses them as an abrasive to clean the exteriors of spaceships!

amherstma.gov/3893/Black-Walnut

07/25/2026

Have you seen this on the bike path in Hadley?
It’s to catch spotted lantern flies!

07/21/2026

Two weeks from today...join the Amherst Public Shade Tree Committee at their annual potluck picnic. All are welcome!

When: Tuesday, August 4 @5:30 pm
Where: Amherst Town Common, in front of Town Hall

Come celebrate our community trees