My name is Sophia and I am a rising junior at Winchester High School. I started this project as part of my Girl Scout Gold Award application.
Several falling-tree incidents happened in Winchester in 2025 and that raised serious concerns about public safety. In May 2025, a big tree branch fell onto the Winchester Library pedestrian walkway that leads to Lincoln Elementary School just before dismissal time. My younger sister, a fifth grader, witnessed the event, and although no one was injured, the situation highlighted the potential danger. Later that summer, after a severe storm, another large tall tree fell and blocked the driveway entrance to Stop&Shop near Winchester High School. In addition, frequent posts in the Winchester Residents Facebook group reporting fallen or unhealthy trees—across public areas, the Fells, and the reservoirs—show that this is a widespread and recurring issue.
This project addresses the vulnerability of the local public trees in Winchester, Massachusetts, caused by a lack of centralized health data and insufficient public funding for maintenance and replanting. Municipal resources are often reactive—focusing on tree removal only after a hazard develops—rather than proactive through preservation, continuous care, and strategic replanting.
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