Councilwoman Spearheads Beautification Projects in Oxford Borough

August 18th, 2021

volunteers

In Oxford Borough, Chester County, trees and green plans are creating a greener community revitalization.

Kathryn Cloyd, a borough council member and chair of the borough’s Environment Committee and Outreach and Inclusion Committee, has spearheaded plantings of trees and native plants in the borough.

With volunteers, 275 trees were placed at Broad and 8th streets, while contractors with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay planted 140 trees at public works and 260 more trees at Sycamore Crossing.

Last fall volunteers from the Oxford community and Penn State Master Watershed Steward and Master Gardeners added 1,000 native perennials and shrubs at the borough’s parking garage. These plantings will attract birds, bees, and butterflies as well as help to control stormwater.

This native-planting project was a collaboration among Oxford Borough, the regional Environmental Advisory Council, and the Penn State Extension with help from North Creek Nurseries.

The borough also received a $7,000 Dockstader Foundation grant to purchase rain barrels, which will be provided free to residents who complete a Penn State webinar or attend in-person presentations.

In 2021, Oxford was awarded $14,847 from the Chesapeake Bay Trust Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) to cover the cost of a Green Street Conceptual Plan.
The borough is looking at “greening” 3rd Street in the downtown business area, which will help the borough meet its municipal separate storm sewer system requirements (MS4) as well as fit into its downtown revitalization plans.

Cloyd said she is advocating for a pocket park, green alleys, more rain gardens, and a green roof and green wall for the parking garage.

Meliora Design was hired by the borough to complete the plan that will not only include action items but also a process that includes residents’ input. To implement the final plan, the borough will apply for another G3 grant.

For more about Oxford, visit www.oxfordboro.org.