Upcoming Events

2026 Annual General Meeting

February 7, 2026 Saturday 11am Northville District Library Friends Community Room Lower Level

Meet the innovative founder of Arboretum Detroit - the nonprofit getting international recognition for expanding the tree canopy in the city of Detroit

It's time for our Annual General Meeting and we would love for you to join us!

We want to share exciting upcoming programs, briefly update you on our accomplishments in 2025, and hear your ideas for 2026.

We also invite you to stay for our NTC Board Meeting immediately afterward to learn more about how we get things done.

WHAT:      Northville Tree Champions Annual General Meeting

WHERE:   Northville District Library - Friends Community Room on the lower level

WHEN:     Saturday February 7, 2026

                  11AM General Meeting followed by NTC Board meeting immediately afterward - all are welcome!

February 24, 2026 7pm-8pm Northville District Library - Carlo Room - Free event

Northville Tree Champions invite you to a presentation to learn more about Arboretum Detroit. Birch Kemp, its Founder and Executive Director, will tell the story of how one east side Detroit neighborhood is using trees to improve quality-of-life and public health conditions, while at the same time teaching tree stewardship and conservation skills, improving neighborly relations, and reducing crime all while diversifying and expanding Detroit's tree canopy.

The presentation is free and open to the public, though space is limited so we ask that you please RSVP your attendance by emailing us at northvilletreechampions@gmail.com.

Arboretum Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to building and maintaining in perpetuity an internationally recognized arboretum spanning the city of Detroit and inspiring visitors with the love and stewardship of trees.

Past Events

Northville History Tree Carving Documentary Screening

The Northville History Tree documentary screening was presented at Northville City Hall in Council Chambers. Guests learned about how the tree carving in the city park behind the library and City Hall came to be, the community groups and leaders involved, and met the young filmmaker/Northville High School student who produced it. The screening was followed by a panel discussion and was free!

Legacy Park Trail Tour - The Forest In Autumn at Legacy Park  (Free-  tax deductible donations to Northville Tree Champions appreciated)

The Northville Tree Champion's walk in the woods at Legacy Park on the Chinkapin trail was beautiful. We had perfect weather and maximum capacity for the tour. Botanist Celia Larsen and Northville Tree Champions Founder, President and Arborist, Jim Porterfield, showed us how to identify our native trees, shrubs and more as we strolled along the trails and admired Michigan's fabulous fall foliage. 

Northville's Majestic Trees Guided Tour

We took a stroll through one of Northville's central neighborhoods and discover some of the towering giants that make our community special. Experts from the Northville Tree Champions were on hand to guide participants through more than a dozen stops providing educational and historical commentary, presented by Northville Tree Champions Founder, President and Arborist, Jim Porterfield.

Bennett Arboretum Clean-up in Hines Park

We joined forces with the Northville High School Cross Country team for a clean-up at Bennett Arboretum in Hines Park. The students pruned and raked the path where they run to train for competition.

Arboretum Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to building and maintaining in perpetuity an internationally recognized arboretum spanning the city of Detroit and inspiring visitors with the love and stewardship of trees.

The tour was made possible compliments of Northville Tree Champions.

Arboretum Detroit Tour: Discover the nonprofit getting international recognition for expanding the tree canopy in the city of Detroit

Mulching and Watering Trees in Northville

In the midst of the very hot, dry summer, proper mulching around the base of trees and consistent watering were very important. Our volunteers spread mulch around newly planted trees in the park behind Northville City Hall and the Northville District Library, as well as trees around the city. Donations allowed us to purchase mulch without dyes and a portable tank to supplement water for trees in emergency drought situations. Mulching trees provides multiple benefits, including improved soil health, weed suppression, moisture retention, and temperature regulation. It also helps protect roots from damage and reduces the need for frequent watering.