Leesburg Tree Commission Regular Meeting - April 16, 2026

The Leesburg Tree Commission met on April 16, 2026, at 11:30 AM. Members present were Phil Marshall, John Brutus, Frank Schneider, Earl Howard, Tara Holt, and Katie Acton. Alex Friend was absent. Council liaison Gary Nancy and staff representative Les Westbrook were also present. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, routine updates, and extensive discussion of ongoing projects including the adopt-a-spot, tree walk signage, flower and garden festival, spring tree giveaway, Arbor Day tree, and other events.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve the agenda as amended (to include a report on the adopt-a-spot subcommittee) was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (6-0-1? count not specified but all in favor).
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 17, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented. Motion by John Brutus, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Staff Report: Staff reminded the commission about the "Scrape the Grape" event (spotted lanternfly egg mass removal) occurring on March 21, 2026 at Ida Lee, and the Boards and Commissions Networking Event on April 30, 2026 from 6-8 PM at Ida Lee, where each commission will give a three-minute presentation.
• Adopt-a-Spot Subcommittee: Phil Marshall reported on the condition of the adopted spot (Pie Island area). The cotoneaster bush is beyond recovery, and many plants are emerging but it is unclear which are weeds. The group agreed to leave the area alone for now and develop a planting plan. Phil and Frank Schneider will collaborate on a species list. The parking sign issue with Mom's Apple Pie was discussed but no action taken.
• Historic Tree Walk App Development: Frank Schneider presented samples of engraved tree tags (cost $75-80 each) that could include QR codes linking to Virginia Tech dendrology pages. The commission decided not to pursue a county grant due to complexity and inadequate funding. The app design will be provided at no cost by Leah (town public information officer). The group discussed using metal stakes instead of more expensive track sleeves. No formal vote.
• Flower and Garden Festival (April 2026): The commission discussed logistics for the festival booth, including sign-up sheets, distribution of giveaway trees (500 burr oak, 1500 chestnut oak, 1000 eastern redbud), and the need for paper bags. A communication restriction was noted: commissioners cannot send group emails due to meeting rules; they will use a shared online folder. No formal vote.
• Spring 2026 Treesburg Initiative (May 2, 2026): Funding and partnership with a 501(c)(3) organization is still pending. An MOU is required. An alternative event on Public Works Day (May 9, 2026) was discussed. The commission will wait for a response from the potential partner and decide later. No formal vote.
• Leesburg Arbor Day Tree (April 24, 2026): The tree planting at Harper Park Elementary is complicated by school district approval processes. The desired fringe tree was rejected due to fruit concerns. The commission is awaiting responses from school officials. The date may be flexible to accommodate the mayor. No formal vote.
• Sesquincentennial (Centennial) Tree Event (April 29, 2026): The event is scheduled for April 29, 2026 at 1 PM at the farmhouse. The mayor will attend. Parks and Recreation is handling signage and the tree. Commissioners were invited to attend.
• Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Arbor Day Event (April 24, 2026): The commission discussed having a table at this event from 4-7 PM to provide tree planting demonstrations and brochures. Possible participation, but not finalized.
• Budget Status: The commission has $297.50 remaining in the current fiscal year budget (ending June 30, 2026). The budget request for the upcoming year (about $5,700) was mentioned favorably by the town council during a February 23 budget meeting, but final approval is not yet confirmed.
• New Business: The commission will prepare a three-minute presentation for the Boards and Commissions Networking Event on April 30, 2026. A template is available.
• Commissioner Comments: Earl Howard reported that the town acquired Rock Spring Farm in a 4-2-2 council vote. Massive tree removal along Route 15 was noted. Tara Holt recommended the book "Nature and the Mind" by Mark Berman. The next meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026 (note: the meeting date is April 16, 2026, but the transcript states the next meeting is April 14; this discrepancy is from the source).

Key Outcomes

• Approved the agenda as amended and the February 17, 2026 minutes.
• No formal votes were taken on any substantive discussion items; decisions were deferred or left to subcommittees.
• The commission will proceed with ordering engraved tree tags for the historic tree walk, using metal stakes.
• The Flower and Garden Festival booth will go forward with the planned giveaway trees and bags.
• The Arbor Day tree and Treesburg Initiative remain pending due to unresolved external approvals.
• The budget request appears to have been favorably received, but final confirmation is awaited.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 PM (estimated).