Warwick Arboretum to plant 27 more trees

The Warwick Arboretum got off to a modest start earlier this year on a rainy April day when the first five trees got planted. Despite the inclement weather, a large crowd of town/village officials and residents turned out to see the Arboretum get launched. Now, on Nov. 4, a much larger planting — 27 trees — will take place.

The Arboretum is one of the major elements of Transformation Trails, the “park within the park” taking shape on 10 neglected acres of the larger Wickham Woodlands Park, that, until 2011, was the Mid-Orange Correctional Facility. Organizers say it is precisely that “transformation” from prison to park that sparked the project and its name. The other major element will be two large pollinator meadows for which ground breaking is expected to be later in November.

The tree planting will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4. Warwick residents are invited to come and perhaps to help plant one of the trees. Tools and instructions will be provided. Those wishing to attend should go first to Wickham Woodlands Park on State School Road off of Kings Highway, then follow signs to the parking area for the “Last Whiskey Bar.”