The Wellington Tree Board convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and environmental awareness through tree and garden projects. The meeting began with a review of the previous year's flower award, which had not included a promotional blurb on billing statements as planned. Board members agreed that a vote would be necessary to determine the content for future communications.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on partnerships with local schools to promote planting and environmental awareness. Members highlighted the Wellington Garden Club's ongoing efforts, including an annual seedling giveaway that distributes thousands of seedlings and educational materials to schools. This initiative is part of the Earth Day celebration and aims to foster environmental education among students.

Board members expressed a desire to expand recognition for school gardening efforts. One member suggested incorporating awards for school gardens into the Tree Board's initiatives, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging students' contributions to environmental stewardship. The Wellington Garden Club already provides various awards for youth gardening projects, and members discussed the potential for collaboration between the Tree Board and the Garden Club to enhance recognition efforts.

While some members acknowledged the importance of recognizing school gardens, others cautioned that the Tree Board's primary focus should remain on tree-related initiatives. The conversation highlighted the need for clear communication and collaboration with the Wellington Garden Club to ensure that both organizations can effectively promote their respective missions.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of engaging local schools in tree and garden projects, with plans to explore ways to promote awards and recognition for school gardens. The board recognized the challenges in garnering interest from schools but expressed optimism about the potential for future collaboration.