Brockton Planting Goal Progress:
1,745 Trees Planted
Am I In The Zone?
Meet Your Local Foresters:
Matt Dyer
Education: B.S. Parks, Recreation, and Eco-Tourism and Masters in Business and Administration
Experience: Formerly a National Park Ranger serving in Acadia National Park and the Ozark National Scenic Water Ways in Missouri. Worked seasonally for DCR for several years before taking this position in Brockton
Interests: Anything outdoors!
Favorite Tree & Reason: I would have to choose the Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Besides having fond memories of spending countless hours climbing my neighbor’s Copper Beech, these trees are majestic when they reach a mature height. With a copper color leaf with hints of purple and green, the leaves are unique and complement any yard.
Kyle Reisner
Education: Bachelor of Science in forest management from University of Massachusetts Amherst
Experience: ISA certified Arborist. Former Consulting utility forester for Eversource Energy and ACRT.
Interests: Nature, music, gardening, building.
Favorite Tree & Reason: Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Although sometimes considered invasive and a nuisance tree, Black locust is a very interesting species to me. It has a corky bark, twisting branches, and fragrant drooping flowers which appeal to pollinators. It is a nitrogen fixing species and can help to improve the nutrient profile of sandy soils, but also exhibits allelopathy which can inhibit the growth of other species. The wood is rot resistant, and very hard which makes it excellent for use as fence posts, railroad ties, shipbuilding and many other things. Black Locust also is a great choice for firewood as it burns very hot and it grows quickly which makes it a sustainable heat source.
