Mary Earl Rogers

Trees Boost Local Economy

In recent years, Bath, Maine's tree warden and Community Forestry Committee have identified 'gateway' parks and other high profile areas as priorities for tree planting and care.

One example is Waterfront Park, a small marina space that was redesigned for shade, air quality and aesthetic benefits. It was an ideal candidate to host community's weekly Farmers Market. The welcoming area along the waterfront is now drawing vendors and shoppers in unprecedented numbers.

The Farmers Market has more than doubled in size in the years since the park overhaul, helping to revitalize the local economy. "I would say that traffic has tripled since the market started and the number of vendors has doubled or tripled," says Mary Earl Rogers, a resident of Bath for nearly 20 years. "Farmers and merchants come from miles around to sell their goods here."

Were it not for critical support from the Maine Forest Service, this vibrant outdoor market would have never realized its potential. "I think the trees add an ambience and a park-like environment that is very different from the major shopping district," Mary Earl says. "The Farmers Market has become so popular that we now have it year-round."

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