After 39 years, shade tree
sup’t. retires from county

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY David C. Shaw (r) of Howell, the longtime superintendent of the Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission, has retired after 39 years of service. Freeholder Director Harry Larrison Jr. (l) honored Shaw for his service by presenting him with a proclamation designating July 19 as David C. Shaw Day in Monmouth County. Also, the Board of Freeholders named the arboretum at Holmdel Park the David C. Shaw Arboretum.

After 39 years of service to Monmouth County, David C. Shaw, the superintendent of the Shade Tree Commission, has decided to "hang up his green thumb" and retire.

In honor of his service to the county, the Board of Freeholders has named the county arboretum at Holmdel Park the David C. Shaw Arboretum.

According to a press release from the county Department of Public Information, Shaw, a Howell resident, was instrumental in the creation, development and maintenance of the county arboretum.

"For years, Dave Shaw has been acknowledged as one of the foremost experts on trees," said Freeholder Thomas J. Powers, who oversees the Shade Tree Commission. "He has received many awards from local, state and national organizations. Dave had a hand in helping organize many of the local shade tree commissions that today, along with our county Shade Tree Commission, help make Monmouth County such a beautiful place. Dave Shaw will truly be missed."

Shaw started with the county in August 1963. His personal achievements include the publication of numerous pamphlets and brochures to assist homeowners in the planting and caring of trees. For many years, according to the press release, he was the coordinator of the gypsy moth program and helped save many of the forests in the county during periods of high infestation.

He taught at Rutgers University and produced three films: The Stripper, about gypsy moth infestation, and two films about the safe use of pesticides in and around the home. In addition, in conjunction with a research project of the New Jersey Department of Health, Shaw helped formulate an appropriate program for the control of the deer tick, the carrier of Lyme disease, and he worked on the Tree Climbers Championships, a contest to help foster the advancement of arboriculture.

A Navy veteran of World War II, Shaw has been honored by Congressman Chris Smith (R-N.J.), the International Society of Arboriculture, the New Jersey Division of Forestry, the New Jersey State Legislature, Rotary International, the Municipal Arborists and Urban Foresters Society, New Jersey Shade Tree Federation and by Howell.

Freeholder Director Harry Larrison Jr. proclaimed July 19 as "David C. Shaw Day" in the county and wished Shaw a "long, happy and healthy retirement."

"You have certainly earned it," Larrison said.