North Providence
Environmental Commission
North Providence Town Hall
2000 Smith St.
North Providence, RI  02911
Phone:  (401) 232-0900

E-mail

As part of their dedication to the beautification of North Providence, on November 15, 2008 members of the North Providence Environmental Commission (NPEC) planted a dozen yellow forsythia bushes along Smithfield Road starting from the corner of Mineral Spring Avenue. The good sized plantings are expected to bloom next spring. Look for them when stopped at the traffic light at the junction of Smithfield and Mineral Spring.

In the spring of 2009 and to complement the forsythia, the Commission will plant flowering spiraea shrubs, (commonly known as bridal wreath).

North Providence
Environmental Commission

Mission
It is the mission of the the North Providence Environmental Commission [NPEC] to improve our community by: helping to create a green infrastructure, spearheading environmental education, conserving our natural resources, involving neighborhoods in beautification and recycling efforts and helping residents to understand the value of a pleasant , healthy and beautiful place to live.

Core Values
Commitment to clean air, clean water, and clean streets; dedication to the preservation of open space and neighborhood beautification through public landscaping 

History
In 1995 the Town issued a Tree Ordinance mandating the hiring of a Tree Warden (licensed arborist).  The Ordinance outlined the Town’s commitment to the care and maintenance of trees on municipal property. In 1997 the North Providence Environmental Commission was created.  The intent was to create an urban forest and beautify the Town.  During the past 10 years, the Commission has planted 400 trees in the community ranging from Mineral Spring Avenue to Smith Street and many places in between.  

Goals
Develop a well-managed urban forest master plan for North Providence. Besides their beauty, urban trees are beneficial to the environment. They are air   filters and reduce airborne pollutants by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.  Shade trees lower house temperatures in summer. Trees planted in Town  will translate to cleaner air, softer winds, and more beautiful streets, which are the goals of the Commission.  

Completed Projects  

• RIPTA plantings and landscaping at bus turn around property on Smith Street;

• Flower planting at WWII monument in Centredale. 

Current and Proposed Projects 

• develop an urban forestry master plan for North Providence

• plan community cleanups, involving high school students

• beautify the area surrounding the Water Supply land at  Mineral Spring Avenue and Smithfield Road

• encourage/expand small-business landscaping on major streets

• active support of Camp Meehan an open space

• maintain war memorials by planning for their enhancement with plants and flowers

• encourage the enforcement of the Town’s sidewalk snow  removal ordinance
  support a pure recycling  plan which will save taxpayers thousands of dollars in tipping fees

Volunteers
If you are interested in assisting the Commission, either by volunteering or by     making constructive suggestions, please e-mail us.

The North Providence Environmental Commission is linked to: 

• Environmental Council of Rhode Island

• Rhode Island Land Trust Council

• Rhode Island Tree Council

• Environmental Council of Rhode Island

• North Providence Land Trust

• North Providence Department of Public Works

• Fruit Hill Neighborhood Association

NATURE MAY BE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

“Green space does more than pretty up the neighborhood.  It seems to have real effects on health…good effects of a kind that politicians and health authorities should take seriously.”

The Lancet
Dr. Terry Hartig,
The Institute for Housing and Urban Research,
Oppsala University,  Sweden 

North Providence has such a green space.  It’s called Camp Meehan and it is situated at the Wenscott Reservoir adjacent to Notte Park on Rte 7 Douglas Avenue.  As the last pristine, open space of any size in North Providence, it must be preserved for future generations. 

WHY?  Open space supplies pleasure for the community.  Its trees improve air quality, prevent flooding and soil erosion and provide a haven for wild life.  Too much open space in North Providence has been deforested by development. 

The North Providence Environmental Commission is actively engaged, along with many residents, to protect this lovely native woodland from development.     

                                    ISN’T  THIS WORTH SAVING?

Photo by Dave Hendricks

Stop the Asian Longhorned Beetle

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is native to China and Korea. Adults are large (3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long) with very loncy black and while banded antennae. The body is glossy black with irregular white spots. ALB is a serious pest of maple trees and other hardwoods.
IF YOU SEE THIS BEETLE IN RHODE ISLAND CALL (401) 647-3367

www.uvm.edu/albeetle

North Providence Town Hall • 2000 Smith Street • North Providence, Rhode Island 02911
Phone: 401-232-0900 • connects all departments
Hours: Monday through Friday • 8:30am to 4:30pm
Summer Hours (June 21 through Labor Day): Monday through Friday • 8:30am to 4:00pm

Copyright © Town of North Providence, RI. All rights reserved.