The memory of a champion of the Branford Green Committee and its curated collection of important trees on the Branford green has been honored with the installation of three native American sycamore trees which can flourish for well more than 100 years.

On April 26, the Branford Green Committee and Branford officials joined with members of the family of former committee member the late Dr. David P. Colley, MD, who served the committee for nearly 10 years as a representative of First Congregational Church. Colley passed away in June 2023.

His wife, Barbara, and his family members, recalled Colley’s dedication to research as part of his committee work, his love of the Branford green, and of the community. They said the sycamore was his favorite tree.

“I think he would have been humbled by the fact that they chose to remember him in this way, because he felt privileged to be on the committee,” said Barbara Colley. “He enjoyed every part of it. He enjoyed working with the people and its purpose of the preservation of the green and its trees.”

Green Committee chairman David Minicozzi said Colley was instrumental in many ways as committee member. He noted Colley joined at a critical time in 2014, when the committee was at the center of a heated debate regarding elevating its status to a commission.

“He joined the committee when we were in turmoil, and he was right there by my side,” said Minicozzi. “We became close. There really is no vice-chairmen of this committee, but David would step in for me. He was also a very quiet presence. David didn’t say a lot, but when he had something to say, you knew he meant it. He loved our town, he loved the green, and he gave us some really good ideas; and so we thought it would be very fitting to honor David in this way.”

The trees will be included on an updated map of trees and champion trees on the Branford green generated by the committee. As part of the commission’s Tree Memorial program, QR codes are also placed on memorialized trees so that passerby can scan the code with their Smartphone and learn who is being honored by certain trees on the green.

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove said his office works with the Green Committee to ensure Branford is a good steward of the green and to discuss ideas for its continued stewardship.

“David was part of a number of those discussions,” said Cosgrove, adding he was grateful for Colley’s ability to keep discussions moving. Colley also took part in many of the scheduled tree walk reviews involving the committee, the first selectman, the town tree warden, and arborists.

The three American sycamores join two mature sycamore trees to create a tree-lined side of Taintor Drive where it intersects the green near South Main Street.

“Some of the most magnificent trees that are on our green are in this location, and there was a discussion about creating this tree-lined road here that has since come to fruition,” said Cosgrove. “It’s great to be here, as we honor Mr. Colley.”