Civic Development Corporation of Ashtabula County (CDC) celebrated their 63rd Annual Meeting
at Martini’s Restaurant on Thursday, April 28th, 2022. After the business agenda of the progressive meeting was
adjourned guests transitioned outside to neighboring Red Brook Metropark for the unveiling and dedication of The
Arboretum at Red Brook.
A collaborative project with the Ashtabula County Metroparks, The Arboretum at Red Brook was created to
celebrate the completion of CDC’s Campaign 2020-Shared Vision: A Community Blueprint, which raised over $1.7
million dollars and honor its generous community supporters. In effort to be more sustainable organization, CDC
determined that in lieu of plaques or trophies, donors that have contributed over $5,000 to their recently
completed campaign were rewarded with a tree in the arboretum. In October 2021, approximately 50 trees were
planted in partnership with CDC, LEADERship Ashtabula County and the Metroparks.
The Arboretum at Red Brook can be found near Stowe Road in Saybrook Township. The teardrop shaped area is
designated with two new signs that explain that native trees planted and the represented individuals, companies,
foundations and organizations that made the CDC campaign a success. CDC brought this green giving initiative to
the Metroparks to recognize these generous contributors with a symbol that would last for several years and bring
even more a benefit (clean air, protection, natural habitats for wildlife) than traditional plaque or trophy. These
young trees now planted and growing together will take root together and are stronger and more resilient, a
lasting symbol to the community. CDC and the Ashtabula County Metroparks plan on expanding this area in future
CDC campaigns beginning with the next cycle in 2025.
The CDC annual meeting is typically held in late May or early June but was moved to late April to place the
arboretum unveiling in conjunction with Garden Month, Earth Day and Arbor Day.
CDC Executive Director, Amanda Tirotta is pleased with the addition of the Arboretum and excited about the
possibilities that the future holds for beautifying this area.
“Enhancing quality of life in Ashtabula County is what CDC does and strives to accomplish,” Tirotta said. “It is not
only important that CDC is driven to contributing to quality of life through recreation, holistic benefits and
beautifying our green spaces, but also equally important to be a sustainable organization in today’s ever-changing
environment. Working together with the Metroparks was a natural synergy to bring this project to fruition.”
Donor Sign at Arboretum