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 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

Forest Hills Tree Giveaway on October 13th - A Growing Tradition Since 2011

 For Immediate Release

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

To reserve a tree and view photos and specifications, visit www.treegiveaways.com/4boro

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

Forest Hills Tree Giveaways: A Growing Tradition Since 2011

QUEENS, NY (October 2013) -   On Sunday, October 13 from 1 PM to 3 PM, citywide residents will once again line up in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70^th Avenue, and take home a tree or two among 150 trees being offered. Adopters will then plant their tree outside a privately-owned house or building.

Forest Hills Tree Giveaway coordinator Michael Perlman stated, "A feeling of rejuvenation dominates as our trees and flowers are in bloom each spring, and the inspiration continues as the season passes into autumn. Accompanying the transition is a growing tradition in the heart of Forest Hills, known as the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway."

 To make this event possible, Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance (4BNPA) is in partnership with New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and MillionTreesNYC, which is a PlaNYC initiative with NYC Parks and NYRP. Lead sponsors are Toyota and TD Bank.

   The event will be 4BNPA’s fifth tree giveaway since June 2011, which will bring its donations up to 800 trees. Adopters can select from 4 varieties, which will consist of 50 Tulip Trees, 50 Sweetbay Magnolias, 25 Pagoda Dogwoods, and 25 Allegheny Serviceberry trees. This will add to the diversity of trees donated at earlier events, which include Black Gum, Pin Oak, Crape Myrtle, Dawn Redwood, Weeping Beech, Japanese Maple, Eastern Redbud, and Black Walnut. Even though most trees are planted locally at homes and buildings such as the Howard Apartments, Parker Towers, Park Manor, and the Park Embassy, some adopters grant new life to other boroughs.  

 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 restoring NYC’s tree canopy is a significant complement to the city’s architectural achievements. The organizations’ relationship then began.

  Perlman stated, "Many community residents did not realize the benefits of trees, until century-old trees succumbed in seconds during the September 2010 macroburst, which was followed by Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Sandy. Trees enhance a community’s aesthetics, property values, and our environmental sustainability."

  NYRP Community Initiatives Manager Mike Mitchell explained, “Trees clean our air and water, reducing run-off and filtering particulate matter from the air for generations. The value of a city’s urban forest will only increase as rainstorms become more severe and levels of particulate matter increase.”

   As adopters plant trees, they also plant roots to stories which will unfold over generations and bond community residents. Some take photos alongside their tree and coordinate tree planting ceremonies, as in the case of residents of The Fontaine. At the Quality Gardens and Ruskin Gardens co-ops, volunteer residents spanning all ages planted trees, and documented their work on a new blog.

  With hopes that each tree adopter will feel as if their tree is part of their extended family, volunteer Steve Goodman is designing tree adoption certificates, which will also educate the adopters. Trees will be named after historic sites such as the Trylon Theater, notable figures such as Helen Keller, and historic street names such as Roman Avenue. In addition to the 4BNPA, volunteers will be derived from Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Trylon Vet Care, Rego Park – Forest Hills Lions Club, Queens Boulevard Restoration Group, Queens Paideia School, and Aguilar Gardens. Forest Hills Jewish Center, the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, and Key Food will also play a role.

 On October 13, those who wish to adopt a potted tree should line up earlier than 1 PM at MacDonald Park. 

 
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Press Release: Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Becomes A Tradition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Another Blooming Tree Giveaway At MacDonald Park on May 19, 2013

Contact: Preservationist Michael Perlman
Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance
unlockthevault@hotmail.com

Facebook page, "Forest Hills Tree Giveaways" - https://www.facebook.com/ForestHillsTreeGiveaways

Tree Giveaway Flyer & Photos: http://bit.ly/May2013FHtreegiveaway  

   QUEENS, NY (May 13, 2013) --  A growing tradition in the heart of Forest Hills is the  Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance’s Tree Giveaway Event. On Sunday, May 19 from 1 PM – 3 PM, citywide residents will line up in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70^th Avenue, and adopt one of six unique species among 200 trees, which adopters will take home and plant on private property. 

   This will be 4BNPA’s fourth tree giveaway since June 2011, which will bring its donations up to 645 trees. Years earlier, the 4BNPA had the sole mission of advocating for landmarks and curbing overdevelopment, but then realized how trees complement architecture, and are an important element in restoring our city’s historic landscapes. The New York Restoration Project began coordinating tree giveaways in 2008. Inspiration stemmed from the understanding that MillionTreesNYC was focused on greening public spaces, but private homes, apartment buildings, religious institutions, and community gardens also represent a great percentage of the city which merits tree-planting.

   This season, nearly 30 tree giveaway events are being coordinated, and 9 are being hosted in Queens. Therefore, New York City’s urban landscape will have approximately 4,500 new trees. Since the inception of tree giveaways, greater than 18,000 trees have been planted.

    Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Event Organizer and Preservationist Michael Perlman stated, "Many community residents did not realize the benefits of trees, until some of which were a century-old succumbed in seconds during the September 2010 macroburst, which was followed by Hurricane Irene in August 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Trees enhance a community’s aesthetics and property values, and most significantly contribute to its environmental sustainability."

   New York Restoration Project Community Initiatives Manager Mike Mitchell stated, “The trees we give away will clean our air and water, reducing run-off and filtering particulate matter from the air for generations. The value of a city’s urban forest will only increase as rainstorms become more severe and levels of particulate matter increase in our atmosphere.”

   Once again, MacDonald Park was selected as the event site to initiate memories relating to its value to the community since 1933, and shed light upon what is a “Central Park” to Forest Hills, which lost sixty mature trees during the tornado. The 4BNPA seeks to restore the “forest” factor in Forest Hills, as a case in point.  

   

   Trees available for adoption will consist of 50 Witch-Hazel, 50 Natchez Crape Myrtle, 25 Leonard Messel Magnolia, 25 Centennial Magnolia, 25 Persian Ironwood, and 25 Dawn Redwood. This will add to the more frequently planted trees throughout the city over the years, such as Oak, Maple, Sycamore, Honey Locust, and Gingko. 

1. Dawn Redwood - http://www.treegiveaways.com/53.pdf
2. Persian Ironwood - http://www.treegiveaways.com/55.pdf
3. Crape Myrtle ‘Natchez’ - http://www.treegiveaways.com/47.pdf
4. Magnolia ‘Leonard Messel’ - http://www.treegiveaways.com/50.pdf
5. Magnolia ‘Centennial’ - http://www.treegiveaways.com/49.pdf
6. Witch-Hazel - http://www.treegiveaways.com/18.pdf

    Tree giveaway events and adopted trees generate lasting memories. Mike Mitchell explained, “At 4BNPA’s giveaway last fall, there were triplets who were absolutely enamored with trees, and their parents were so excited to help them learn and to plant trees at their home. Each of the boys was able to adopt a tree. There is nothing I like to see more than young, intelligent people who exhibit genuine interest in our living world.”

    With hopes that each tree adopter will feel as if their tree is part of their extended family, volunteer Steve Goodman is designing tree adoption certificates. Trees will be named after local historic sites such as the Forest Hills Theatre, notable local figures such as Architect Grosvenor Atterbury and Helen Keller, and historic street names such as Roman Avenue (72^nd Avenue) and Ascan Avenue, which will educate the public while granting the trees an identity. In addition to the 4BNPA, there will be volunteers from Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Trylon Vet Care, the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, Forest Hills Jewish Center, Parker Towers, and Key Food. Tree-inspired artwork with poetry and slogans is expected to complement the tree giveaway site.  

  To make this event possible, Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance (4BNPA) is in partnership with New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and MillionTreesNYC. Toyota is a lead sponsor, American Express is a tree giveaway sponsor, and lead partners are NYRP, plaNYC, and NYC Parks. On May 19, those who wish to adopt a potted tree should line up before 1 PM at MacDonald Park. In advance, tree adopters may reserve their tree by visiting www.treegiveaways.com/4bnpa.php

 

In late April, volunteers Tara Levin, Steve Melnick, Michael Perlman, & City Council Candidate Jon Torodash (District 29) reserved trees for prospective adopters at a promotional table on Continental Avenue.

###

Queens Ledger: "Autumn Tree Giveaway In Forest Hills, A Colorful Opportunity"

This is Michael Perlman's article, "Autumn Tree Giveaway In Forest Hills: A Colorful Opportunity," published in the Forest Hills Times/Queens Ledger on Oct 10, 2012. Please feel free to comment & share:

http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/20432000/article-Autumn-Tree-Giveaway-in-Forest-Hills--A-Colorful-Opportunity

Volunteers at the May 20, 2012 4BNPA Tree Giveaway, Courtesy of Dennis O'Brien Photography

Varied species at the 4BNPA Tree Giveaway May 20, 2012, Courtesy of Michael Perlman

This autumn, the boroughs are about to become greener with a splash of color.

The Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance (4BNPA) will hold its third tree giveaway event in Forest Hills, which will be the first of its kind in the fall. On Sunday, October 14th from 1 to 3 PM, citywide residents will have the chance to line up in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70th Avenue and adopt one of the unique 100 trees to take home and plant on private property.

To make this event possible, 4BNPA is working in partnership with MillionTreesNYC and New York Restoration Project (NYRP). Toyota is a lead sponsor, and lead partners are NYRP, plaNYC, and the Parks Department.

This season, in combination with other citywide tree giveaways, 1,450 trees will be donated. There are 14 tree giveaways scheduled, with four in Queens. In spring 2013, NYRP expects to give away between 3,300 and 3,700 trees. In spring 2012, more than 5,000 trees were donated, which means that NYRP will donate greater than 6,500 trees over the course of a year.

“Forging long-lasting, inter-city relationships are the best way to develop a sense of community in New York City,” said Mike Mitchell, NYRP Community Initiative coordinator. “NYRP is very excited about our third giveaway with 4BNPA. The commitment 4BNPA has shown for improving our urban environment is amazing, and we hope 4BNPA continues to push the envelope when it comes to expanding NYC’s urban tree canopy.”

NYRP began coordinating tree giveaways in 2008. Inspiration stemmed from the understanding that MillionTreesNYC was focused on greening public spaces, but private homes, religious institutions, and community gardens also represent a great portion of the city, and therefore merit tree planting.

On September 16, 2010, parts of Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island experienced a rare macroburst tornado. Joseph Bruno of the city's Office of Emergency Management reported 3,113 trees fell in Queens. Furthermore, Hurricane Irene contributed to the loss of trees citywide in August 2011.

As Queens vice president of the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance Corporation and a native Forest Hills resident, I documented the local devastation, submitted a proposal to NYRP, and developed a bond.

4BNPA agreed to host its first tree giveaway event on June 12, 2011, and its second giveaway on May 20, 2012, where 100 trees and 245 trees were donated, respectively. Volunteers from Rego-Forest Preservation Council also played a prominent role. With a major emphasis on donating native tree species at the second event, it helped restore the natural and historic local beauty.

Many community residents did not realize the benefits of trees, until some of which were a century-old succumbed in seconds during the natural disasters. Trees convey life, beauty, contribute to environmental sustainability, and enhance property values.

MacDonald Park was once again selected as the event site, in order to shed light upon a concentrated space which lost sixty mature trees during the tornado, and to initiate memories of productive community events. Forest Hills was one of the greatly damaged neighborhoods, and the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliances seeks to restore its “forest” factor, as a case in point.

Most common trees in the boroughs include Gingko, Honey Locust, Callery Pear, Oak, and Sycamore. Many graceful Maple and Elm trees that lined streets succumbed to the Asian Longhorn Beetle and Dutch Elm disease, respectively, so it is urgent to maintain surviving trees.

To diversify the tree population, four unique species will now be available, which are American Beech, Serviceberry, Common Witch Hazel, and Black Walnut.

American Beech is native from Quebec to Florida, and is a slow to moderate-growing tree that reaches 30 feet in 20 years. Many can live greater than 150 years. After 50 to 75 years, it will reach its maximum height of 50 to 70 feet. Its fall color will be a showy yellow or copper.

“There is no replacement for the American Beech, as far as its value to wildlife,” said Mitchell. “We believe planting and keeping these trees healthy is key to creating ecological corridors for wildlife traveling to and from Jamaica Bay.”

Serviceberry is native from Maine to the Carolinas, and is a slow to moderate-growing tree that reaches its full height of 20 to 25 feet in 20 to 40 years. It can survive between 50 and 150 years.

It produces white flowers in the spring, and edible red or purple fruit from May to July. In the fall, its leaves are orange, red, or yellow, and its bark is silver and gray with stripes.

“This tree is truly a year-round stunner,” Mitchell said. “Its fruit is also delicious raw, and you can use it for jellies or jam. It is a favorite of New York City birds.”

Common Witch Hazel is native to eastern and central U.S. and is a moderate grower reaching 15 to 25 feet in approximately two decades. It lives between 50 and 150 years.

Witch Hazels are known for their late fall and winter blooms, and the Common Witch Hazel produces showy yellow fragrant flowers in the late fall. Its bark is brownish-gray.

Black Walnut is native from Quebec to Florida, and is a large, moderately fast grower, reaching 30 to 50 feet in two decades. Its full height ranges from 50 to 70 feet in the city. The tallest Black Walnuts reach greater than 120 feet. Healthy Black Walnuts can live longer than 150 years.

“The Black Walnut produces black walnuts, which are delicious,” Mitchell said. “Best picked and husked when they are green, it is one of the most prized nut-producing trees in the U.S.”

“This endeavor is consistent with the borough-wide movement toward ecological sensitivity,” said James Trent, president of 4BNPA. “Four Borough's involvement is a great event, since our mission is to preserve and improve the quality of life for low-density neighborhoods.

“Some trees may end up in highly dense neighborhoods, but that is not a problem, since none of us live in a vacuum,” he added. “Trees improve air quality and beautify the city for all.”

On October 14, those who wish to adopt a potted tree should line up before 1 p.m. at MacDonald Park. In advance, tree adopters may reserve their tree online at www.nyrp.org/QueensTrees.

Press Release: 10/14 Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Will Be A Colorful Opportunity This Autumn

Contact: Michael Perlman
Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance

Rego-Forest Preservation Council

unlockthevault@hotmail.com

For Immediate Release

10/14 Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Will Be A Colorful Opportunity This Autumn
 

NYC's 5 Boroughs (October 2012) - This autumn, the boroughs are about to become greener with a splash of color. The Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance will hold its third tree giveaway event in Forest Hills, which will be the first of its kind in the fall. On Sunday, October 14 from 1 PM – 3 PM, citywide residents will have the chance to line up in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70^th Avenue, and adopt one of the unique 100 trees to take home and plant on private property. To make this event possible, Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance (4BNPA) is in partnership with MillionTreesNYC and New York Restoration Project (NYRP). Toyota is a lead sponsor, and lead partners are NYRP, plaNYC, and NYC Parks.

Mike Mitchell, NYRP Community Initiative Coordinator explained, “Forging long-lasting, inter-city relationships are the best way to develop a sense of community in New York City. NYRP is very excited about our third giveaway with 4BNPA. The commitment 4BNPA has shown for improving our urban environment is amazing, and we hope 4BNPA continues to push the envelope when it comes to expanding NYC’s urban tree canopy.”

NYRP began coordinating tree giveaways in 2008. Inspiration stemmed from the understanding that MillionTreesNYC was focused on greening public spaces, but private homes, religious institutions, and community gardens also represent a great portion of the city, and therefore merits tree-planting.

On September 16, 2010, parts of Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island experienced a rare macroburst. Joseph Bruno of the NYC Office of Emergency Management reported 3,113 fallen Queens trees. As Queens VP of the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance Corporation and a native Forest Hills resident, Michael Perlman documented the local devastation, submitted a proposal to NYRP, and developed a bond. Furthermore, Hurricane Irene contributed to the loss of trees citywide in August 2011.

4BNPA agreed to host its first tree giveaway event on June 12, 2011 and its second giveaway on May 20, 2012, where 100 trees and 245 trees were donated, respectively. Volunteers from Rego-Forest Preservation Council also played a dominant role. With a major emphasis on donating native tree species at the second event, it helped restore the natural and historic beauty locally and beyond. 

Perlman explained, "Many community residents did not realize the benefits of trees, until some of which were a century-old succumbed in seconds during natural disasters. Trees convey life, beauty, contribute to environmental sustainability, and enhance property values. MacDonald Park was once again selected as the event site, in order to shed light upon a concentrated space which lost sixty mature trees during the tornado, and to initiate memories of productive community events. Forest Hills was one of the greatly damaged neighborhoods, and the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliances seeks to restore its 'forest' factor, as a case in point."

 Most common trees in the boroughs include Gingko, Honey Locust, Callery Pear, Oak, and Sycamore. Many graceful Maple and Elm trees that gracefully lined streets succumbed due to the Asian Longhorn Beetle and Dutch Elm disease, respectively, so it is urgent to maintain surviving trees. To diversify the tree population, four unique species will now be available, which are American Beech, Serviceberry, Common Witch Hazel, and Black Walnut.  
 

James A. Trent, President of the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance Foundation, explained, “This endeavor is consistent with the borough-wide movement toward ecological sensitivity. Four Borough's involvement is a great event, since our mission is to preserve and improve the quality of life for low-density neighborhoods. Some trees may end up in highly dense neighborhoods, but that is not a problem, since none of us live in a vacuum. Trees improve air quality and beautify the city for all.”

With much enthusiasm, Mitchell stated, “This fall, New Yorkers not only get to take a tree home, but they get to see the urban nature in its most festive state.” On October 14, those who wish to adopt a potted tree should line up before 1 PM at MacDonald Park. In advance, tree adopters may reserve their tree online at www.nyrp.org/QueensTrees

Photos

Oct 2012 Tree Giveaway: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157631726378478/
May 2012 Tree Giveaway: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157629808414806/
June 2011 Tree Giveaway: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157626715360082

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May 20 Tree Giveaway A Blooming Success In Forest Hills!

Enjoy the flickr set for the May 20, 2012 Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance Tree Giveaway Event, which was held in MacDonald Park in Forest Hills. The 4BNPA teamed up with New York Restoration Project and volunteers from Rego-Forest Preservation Council to donate 245 trees to private property owners. The flickr set documents the event, the adoptees, and some of the trees which found new homes:

http://bit.ly/2012TreeGiveaway4BNPA     

 GO GREEN and restore our neighborhood's natural and historic beauty!

MacDonald Park Meeting Calls For Proactive Approach By Our Volunteers To Restore Forest Hills' Historic Anchor

Since the early 1930s, MacDonald Park with its Gerald MacDonald statue, has been an anchor of Forest Hills. However, in early August 2011, park-goers and passersby began to notice disturbing issues. Chair Michael Perlman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, submitted a 12-page photo survey to the NYC Dept of Parks, with copies to our elected officials: http://www.scribd.com/doc/62766462/Macdonald-Park-Maintenance-Problems

 Since the survey submission, members of Rego-Forest Preservation Council began discussing the creation of a voluntary subcommittee which would engage in proactive strategies for maintaining, beautifying, and enhancing MacDonald Park. On Oct 2, 2011, members were grateful to hold a meeting in MacDonald Park with Parks Manager Rene Herrera, who serves the CB 6 vicinity, comprising of Forest Hills & Rego Park. Hassan King of Partnerships For Parks has also been very helpful towards our cause, and plans on meeting with us as well. The Parks Dept could always benefit through the role of volunteers, considering the city's budget, and also as a result of the progress of a public-private partnership.


Primary Topics of Discussion

1. Almost 10 trees that were planted in April 2011 at the One Thing That's Green event have perished prematurely. It may be attributed to the late July drought. Those trees will be replaced, since they are under warranty. Rego-Forest Preservation Council members suggested replacing the irrigation system which was dismantled during the Sept 2010 tornado, & Rene Herrera thought it would be a good idea for us to look into the possibility of acquiring a drip sprinkler system.

2. We discussed the possibility of a mature tree moving company to strengthen the integrity of our park trees, by engaging in methods of stabilizing them and pruning when necessary. Historically speaking, mature trees can be excavated and transplanted! There is no replacement for a mature tree, which fosters much beauty, shade, and purification of our air.

3. Rego-Forest Preservation Council's subcommittee will assign volunteers to help maintain the park by cleaning, watering, and planting bushes, flowers, and trees upon agreement per project. We will be on the lookout for organizations that can donate these plantings, so bald areas on the lawn and some unkempt bushes will be addressed, for example.

4. The centerpiece of MacDonald Park is the historic Gerald MacDonald statue. Its base contains text, but weathering has taken its toll, making it difficult to decipher the statement of dedication. Rego-Forest Preservation Council plans on nominating the statue and the park for the State & National Register of Historic Places. If the nomination is successful, it will commemorate the park, and open the door to federal tax credits and state-matching grants, among other potential incentives, and allow for the restoration of the statue and park over time.

5. A bench that went missing, which was documented in our August 2011 survey submission to the Parks Dept (above) has been restored almost immediately thereafter, and graffiti on the MacDonald Park plaque has been cleaned off.

Press To Date


1. NY1 News interview: Forest Hills Residents Want Parks Dept To Fix Up MacDonald Park

2. Queens Chronicle: Civic Group Seeks Partnership

3. Forum West, Dead Trees In MacDonald Park Worry Residents

4. Forest Hills Patch, The history of MacDonald Park, written by Michael Perlman:
http://foresthills.patch.com/articles/local-history-macdonald-park

We thank Rene Herrera, Parks Manager of CB 6, and the Parks Department for their willingness to work with us. We also thank Hassan King of Partnerships For Parks for his assistance and plans to meet with us in the near future. 

If anyone is interested in joining our subcommittee to help maintain the park, and volunteer with and/or support Rego-Forest Preservation Council, please e-mail Michael Perlman at unlockthevault@hotmail.com