May 17 Forest Hills Tree Giveaway To Donate 1,250th Tree To The Public

For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Perlman

Forest Hills Tree Giveaway, Coordinator
Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance

Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair

Reserve a tree in advance at www.treegiveaways.com/4bnpa

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ForestHillsTreeGiveaways

unlockthevault@hotmail.com   

May 17th Forest Hills Tree Giveaway To Donate 1,250^th Tree

QUEENS, NY (May 2015) - As spring is in full swing, the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway has become a community tradition in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70^th Avenue.  Locals among citywide residents will line up in the park on Sunday, May 17 between 1 PM and 3 PM, and take home a small tree or perhaps a few among 200 free trees. Adopters will then plant their tree(s) in their residential front yard or backyard, at an apartment building with permission, in a schoolyard, or at their commercial property. 

The Forest Hills Tree Giveaway, which is held annually in May and periodically in October, will be the seventh event since 2011, bringing the total of adopted trees to an approximate 1,250. Adopters can select from 5 tree species, which consist of American Elm, Yellowwood, Fringe Tree, Red Buckeye, and Dawn Redwood. This will add to the diversity of trees donated at earlier events, where names included Black Gum, Magnolia, and Tulip.

Flashback: Capturing the essence of the May 2014 Forest Hills Tree Giveaway 

“These are great native trees that provide shade, food and shelter to animals, or tend to offer classic shapes such as the ‘V’ of the American Elm,” said Mike Mitchell, New York Restoration Project (NYRP) Director of Giveaways. He continued, “A stately excurrent growth pattern can be found in the Dawn Redwood with its red, peeling bark, and stunning flowers can be observed on the Fringe Tree, Yellowwood, and Red Buckeye.” 

This event is made possible through Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance (4BNPA) in partnership with NYRP and MillionTreesNYC. Lead sponsors are Toyota and TD Bank, and lead partners are plaNYC, NYC Parks, and NYRP. A supporting sponsor is jetBlue. Volunteers are derived from the 4BNPA, Rego-Forest Preservation Council, and Trylon Vet Care.

NYRP began coordinating tree giveaways in 2008. As of 2011, 4BNPA had the mission of advocating for landmarks and curbing overdevelopment, but then realized how environmental preservation is a significant complement to the city’s architectural achievements, which led to their partnership. Preservationist Michael Perlman became the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway coordinator. Perlman stated, “After the spring 2015 tree giveaway season ends, the quantity of citywide donated trees since the founding of the giveaway program will be somewhat greater than 50,000, which is a miracle within itself.” 

Perlman explained, “As extreme weather patterns intensified in recent years with a macroburst and two hurricanes, numerous trees succumbed within seconds. Despite loss, it helped influence communities to preserve mature trees and plant new ones.” The extensive range of benefits associated with trees include enhancing property values, marking a community’s history, offering a serene and colorful setting, capturing stormwater, reducing runoff, filtering and cooling the air, and conserving energy.  

NYRP remains committed toward adding new tree species to the varied tree canopy of the 5 boroughs. Mitchell said, “Diversity in NYC is very important because of the risk of disease and pests. Having a lower percentage of all tree species in our city means we can avoid a single issue creating the terrible side effects of losing tree canopy, like an increase in summertime temperatures or stormwater runoff events.”  

Inspirational stories are often linked to tree giveaway events. Mitchell explained, “My daughter Wren Mitchell was born in April 2014, and this year we finally moved to an apartment with a backyard that our landlord allowed us to landscape. In honor of her birthday, we planted four trees, and each was planted with the help of my parents, my wife, and her parents.” He continued, “What a great way to gather and celebrate our daughter by planting trees that will grow throughout her lifetime.”

At the tree giveaway, adopters are routinely photographed with their trees. Additionally, tree adoption certificates name trees after local landmarks, historic streets, and notables, which helps foster a relationship among adopters and their trees.

“We expect that within thirty years, after most of the trees have grown to maturity, there could be more than 10 acres of tree canopy established in Forest Hills and Rego Park alone from 4BNPA’s efforts,” said Mitchell.

On May 17, 2015, those who wish to adopt a potted tree should line up earlier than 1 PM in MacDonald Park.

The public can reserve a tree by visiting www.treegiveaways.com/4bnpa or by registering for a tree at the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Like” Forest Hills Tree Giveaways on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ForestHillsTreeGiveaways

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May 18th Forest Hills Tree Giveaway To Offer 200 FREE Trees from 1 PM - 3 PM in MacDonald Park

For Immediate Release

Forest Hills Tree Giveaway To Donate 200 Trees on May 18th

Contact: Michael Perlman
unlockthevault@hotmail.com
Forest Hills Tree Giveaway, Coordinator
Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair

www.treegiveaways.com/4bnpa

www.facebook.com/ForestHillsTreeGiveaways

QUEENS, NY (May 10, 2014) - The boroughs are about to become greener at the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Event. On Sunday, May 18 from 1 PM to 3 PM, citywide residents will line up in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70^th 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 donated 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 add diversity to the boroughs. 

This 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, the Compost Collective, and Green Mountain Energy.

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.

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 18th, those who wish to adopt a potted tree should line up earlier than 1 PM at MacDonald Park.

The public can reserve a tree by visiting www.treegiveaways.com/4bnpa

Forest Hills Tree Giveaways on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ForestHillsTreeGiveaways

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May 18 Forest Hills Tree Giveaway To Donate 200 Trees & To Exceed 1,000 Donated Trees Since 2011!

By Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council Chairman & Forest Hills Times Columnist

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 70^th 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 63^rd 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