News Release – 2 November 2005

Taking a drive along the Parkway will be even more beautiful next fall thanks to the Merritt Parkway Conservancy’s efforts to save trees along the historic highway

New Canaan, CT -- (November 2, 2005) – Take a drive along the Merritt this week and you will see crews in the New Canaan area clearing out tree killing invasive vines. They will also be working at the High Ridge Road and Merritt intersection. The Merritt Parkway Conservancy along with Bartlett Tree Experts is removing invasive vines along the Parkway in an effort to preserve the trees and restore the view from the road. With DOT maintenance staff at a bare minimum, it is refreshing to see this team along the Merritt Parkway working to improve the landscape for the benefit of the commuting public and visitors.

"The Merritt is one of the most beautiful parkways in the country. The fall foliage and the trees which line the Merritt make it spectacular at this time of year and that measure of beauty is certainly something worth keeping," said Peter Malkin, Parkway Conservancy co-chairman.

Laurie Heiss, Executive Director of the Merritt Parkway Conservancy said the Conservancy is very pleased to be working on this pilot project. “The Conservancy is making every effort to preserve the beauty of the Parkway. Now is the perfect time to drive there and take a moment to appreciate how remarkable it is. While we may only clear one beautiful mile out of the 75 roadside miles this week, you have to start somewhere.”

Heiss said the Conservancy hired Bartlett Tree Experts because of their enthusiasm for the project, their experience with invasive species and their expertise in scientific tree care. The DOT issued a special permit to the MPC/Bartlett team.

“The Merritt Parkway Conservancy’s efforts make a real impact on the health and beauty of our local landscape,” said Peter Lyon, an Arborist Representative from Bartlett Tree Experts’ Stamford office. “We’re thrilled to be a part of that, particularly considering Connecticut is such a huge part of our nearly 100-year history.”

The Merritt Parkway is one of the only roads on the National Register of Historic Places, a distinction usually reserved for buildings or battlefields. The Merritt Parkway Conservancy celebrates the scenic, cultural and environmental assets of this remarkable Parkway through education, advocacy and in the spirit of partnership.

The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett and is the world's leading scientific tree and shrub care company. The organisation's current chairman, Robert A. Bartlett Jr., represents the third generation of Bartlett family management. Bartlett has offices in 25 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain. Services include pruning, integrated pest and disease management, soil analysis and management, cabling and bracing, tree lightning protection systems and tree/stump removal. Its corporate offices are located in Stamford, Connecticut. To find out more, visit the company's web site at www.bartlett.com or call 1-877-BARTLETT (227-8538).