To reserve a free tree, visit www.treegiveaways.com/4bnpa
A feeling of rejuvenation is in the air, as our trees and flowers
are in bloom each spring. The inspiration continues as NYC residents adopt a tree at
the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway event, giving birth to new additions to an urban
tree canopy. On Sunday, May 18 from 1 PM to 3 PM, citywide residents will line
up in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70th
Avenue, and take home a tree or two among 200 free trees. Adopters will then
plant their tree outside their house or building.
This
bi-annual event, typically held in May and October, will be the sixth Forest
Hills Tree Giveaway since 2011, and bring the total quantity of adopted trees
to 1,045. Adopters can select from 5 tree
species, which consist of Tulip Trees, American Sweetgum, River Birch, Eastern
Redbud, and Black Walnut. This will increase the diversity of trees donated at
earlier events, such as Black Gum, Magnolia, Dawn Redwood, and Weeping Beech.
Even though most trees will find their new homes locally, some will grant new
life to other boroughs.
The event is made possible through Four
Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance (4BNPA)’s partnership with New York
Restoration Project (NYRP) and MillionTreesNYC. The lead sponsors are Toyota
and TD Bank, and the lead partners are plaNYC, NYC Parks, and NYRP. A
supporting sponsor is jetBlue Airways. Volunteers will be derived from
Rego-Forest Preservation Council (RFPC), Trylon Vet Care, Forest Hills Jewish
Center, the Forest Hills Green Team, and the Compost Collective.
NYRP began coordinating tree giveaways in
2008. As of 2011, 4BNPA had the mission of advocating for landmarks and curbing
overdevelopment, but began realizing how environmental preservation is a
significant complement to the city’s architectural achievements. The
organizations’ relationship would then begin.
Extreme weather patterns intensified over
the last few years, as evident by the 2010 macroburst, Hurricane Irene, and
Hurricane Sandy. This caused numerous trees to succumb within seconds, and a
single characteristic that vanished was the physical reminders of what people
grew up around and developed an attachment to. Despite loss, it emphasized the benefits
behind preserving mature trees and planting new ones. Trees enhance property
values and character, mark a community’s history, offer a serene setting, capture
stormwater, reduce runoff, filter and cool the air, and conserve energy, among
numerous benefits.
The
Forest Hills Tree Giveaway’s volunteers and tree adopters consist of new faces
and close followers, as well as varying tree species among events. Two characteristics
which unify all events are community spirit and education. Volunteers Tara
Levin and her husband Mark Levin adopted 9 trees over the years for their Rego
Park apartment building and a nearby private park, and they naturally became
tree stewards. Tara explained, “We are greening, and they are blooming and
growing. A person who cares for trees has a positive personality. Most of our
population likes trees, but a problem is a deficit of land to plant them, since
we are covered in asphalt.”
Tree giveaways have become a tradition for
all ages. “It is a great opportunity to meet new friends from children to
seniors,” she continued. Her fond recollections are four young sisters who
volunteered with their Newfoundland dog at their side, as well as triplet boys
who asked many questions about adopting Black Walnut trees.
Last Saturday, she collaborated with
volunteers to erect a promotional table on Continental Avenue, where passersby
reserved trees in advance. She also displayed flyers in storefronts along 63rd
Drive and at the library and Chabad House.
Forest Hills resident Michele Dore anticipates her first tree giveaway volunteer opportunity. She explained, “I am new in this wonderful neighborhood, and I am really excited to be a part of Michael Perlman’s team (4BNPA & RFPC). Greening the city is critical not only for appearances, but for our health.” Dore sparked the interest of her colleagues and her landlord. “I would be more than delighted if each of the 200 trees can find a good family to grow with.”
For tree adopters to acquire a relationship with their trees, trees are being named after local landmarks, streets, and notables by volunteer Steve Goodman, and certificates will be distributed. Adopters will be photographed with their trees, and nature-inspired artwork designed by Oliloli Studio and the Queens Paideia School will contribute to the event’s diversity.
On May 18, those who wish to adopt a
potted tree should line up earlier than 1 PM at MacDonald Park.
“Like”
Forest Hills Tree Giveaways on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/ForestHillsTreeGiveaways
A similar edition of this article appeared in Michael Perlman's column with the Forest Hills Times:
http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/25055687/article-Groups-to-give-away-over-200-trees-in-Forest-Hills
No comments:
Post a Comment