There’s a new group in town and let’s just say they have a green thumb(s).

The Newtown Tree Tenders are here to educate the community on how to care for trees and help take on tree-related projects.  Earlier this month, the group planted 10 donated trees at the Clark Nature Center.

Last fall, Newtown Township’s Environmental Advisory Council sponsored a nine-hour Tree Tenders class put on by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.  The class, held at the township building, attracted dozens of people to learn to prune, plant, and care for trees, explained EAC member and Tree Tender Autumn Thomas.

Now, with their newfound education, a number of those people are putting that knowledge to work for the betterment of the community.

Thomas said the Tree Tenders want the residents of Newtown to know they’re here to help.

“We’re a source for the community if they have questions or even for homeowners if they have questions about planting a tree or pruning,” Thomas said.

Eventually, Thomas would like to see the Tree Tenders grow to the point where they hold educational sessions and outdoor demonstrations on pruning and planting.

Earlier this month, the Tree Tenders took on their first big project, as they planted 10 trees at the Clark Nature Center.  Not everyone involved in that project was trained by the Pennsylvania Horticultural society. There was a trained person in each group so they could explain how big to make the holes, etc., Thomas said.

However, for those interested in taking Tree Tenders training, the next session in Bucks County begins Sept. 8.

It will be held Thursdays Sept. 8, 15, and 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Perkasie Borough Hall, 620 West Chestnut St, Perkasie.  The fee is $25.  For more information or to register, click here.

Thomas said Newtown’s Tree Tenders hope to do some work at the Newtown Township Municipal Building removing stakes from existing trees. “The longer you leave the staking on, the shorter the lifespan of the tree,” Thomas explained.

Thomas said she hopes to improve the community's knowledge and protection of trees because they’re an important part of our environment and ecology.

“It never hurts to plant more trees. Trees are not just great for stormwater abatement, but they are also habitat for all sorts of animals,” she said.

For more information about the Newtown Tree Tenders, email newtown.tree@comcast.net.