Who’s ready to shake off the winter rust and lethargy and dig into the dirt and plant a tree?
The Finger Lakes region and communities in Canandaigua and Naples are celebrating Arbor Day, which is typically held the last Friday of April, with tree-planting ceremonies that may provide the seeds for the motivation.
The city of Canandaigua typically celebrates the day in a big way, and for good reason.
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the city as a Tree City USA community, marking its 34th consecutive year of earning this national distinction. The Tree City USA program recognizes communities that prioritize urban forestry through sustainable practices, community engagement and long-term investment in their tree canopy. To earn this recognition, a municipality must meet four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, investing at least $2 per capita in urban forestry and observing Arbor Day each year. Trees are critical infrastructure that build resiliency and foster good health in communities, said Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation, in a statement.
“We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like city of Canandaigua are leading the way,” Saulnier stated. “We’re proud the city of Canandaigua is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”
Here are four Finger Lakes communities marking Arbor Day.
City of Canandaigua
A celebration is planned for 1 p.m. April 24 at the circle on the City Pier.
This year’s event will feature the planting of a white spruce, symbolizing growth, resilience and the city’s enduring commitment to its urban forest, according to City Manager John Goodwin.
“Trees are a vital part of our municipal infrastructure, and we are proud to celebrate 34 years as a Tree City USA community and invite residents to join us in recognizing the many benefits trees provide to Canandaigua,” Goodwin said.
Town of Canandaigua
The town of Canandaigua Tree Committee is also sponsoring an Arbor Day tree planting.
The rain-or-shine event will be at 10 a.m. April 24 at Richard P. Outhouse Park, 2550 Outhouse Road, Canandaigua.
Village of Naples
The village of Naples will have a tree-planting celebration at 1 p.m. April 24 at the Naples Central School District campus, 136 N. Main St., Naples, by the high school bus loop.
Naples Mayor Brian Schenk will read an Arbor Day proclamation. Members of the Naples Shade Tree Commission will offer tips on the correct way to plant a tree.
Finger Lakes National Forest
The Finger Lakes National Forest in Hector, Schuyler County, will host a volunteer tree planting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26.
The large‑scale volunteer wildlife tree and shrub planting, which focuses on riparian areas and habitat improvement, will be hosted by the U.S. Forest Service, National Deer Association and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. The event is free, but registration is required. Tools, guidance and food will be provided.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Arbor Day events planned across the Finger Lakes region
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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