Tree Board to honor Lotspeich in May 24 planting ceremony

May 16, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout 

Steve Lotspeich. Photo by Gordon Miller

The Waterbury Tree Board will host a memorial tree planting on May 24, honoring former town planner Steve Lotspeich and his 30 years of service to the community.

Lotspeich retired in March 2023 and passed away in April 2024. 

A founding member of the Waterbury Tree Board, Lotspeich was a dedicated public servant and community volunteer. His tenure as the town’s community planner spanned three decades of much growth and development in Waterbury. 

Steve Lotspeich plants trees at Hope Davey Park in this undated photo.

One of Lotspeich’s longtime roles was as the town’s tree warden, and he helped organize the committee that became the town’s Tree Board.

In May 2023, the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program honored Lotspeich at the annual Vermont Arbor Day Conference with its Hamilton Award, given to a tree warden who has been particularly dedicated to community forestry, conservation planning, citizen engagement, and public education.

On Saturday, May 24, at 1 p.m. the Waterbury Tree Board invites the community to a ceremony to plant a “Little Leaf” Linden tree in the garden behind the Waterbury town offices and library.

Refreshments will be served.