Kicking off the planting phase of “Trees for Free,” a part of the “Our Green Queens” program designed to bring environmental awareness back to the borough, City Councilmember James Gennaro planted a tree in Hillcrest.
Joining Gennaro, Chair of the Environmental Protection Committee, on Hillcrest resident Alice Scherwin's front lawn on Friday, December 8 was Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski. Scherwin requested and received a cherry tree to go with the other cherry trees in the neighborhood.
“Trees are valued elements of our urban forest. They provide oxygen, shade and improve the quality of our air,” Lewandowski said.
Gennaro funded “Trees for Free” with $150,000 in last year's budget. Along with planting over 125 requested trees in the 24th Council District, Gennaro plans to add environmental education in schools and an essay contest for middle school-aged children.
“Trees provide more than just an aesthetic benefit to the neighborhood, they provide numerous environmental benefits such as cleaner air and water. I am proud to sponsor initiatives like ‘Trees for Free' that have a lasting and positive impact on the environment and the quality of our neighborhood,” Gennaro said.
Sherwin added, “A new tree grows in Hillcrest thanks to the efforts of Councilman Gennaro and the Parks Department. Trees beautify the area . . . and increase our home values, I'm very appreciative, and hope that Hillcrest will see additional trees soon.”
Along with the trees being planted in residential areas, there has been an added effort to have the dead and dying trees along Union Turnpike replaced with new ones.
The greening of Queens
By QNS News Team
Posted on
