The Corning Street Tree Project planted its 100th tree Tuesday, April 14, in front of Bonady Gardens on West Pulteney Street, with 50 additional trees expected to be planted by Sunday throughout the Crystal City.
The landmark planting officially kicked off the spring 2026 planting season, which runs from April 14 through April 19, said Kristen DellaVecchia, a CST volunteer.
Founded in 2017, the Corning Street Tree Project is a 100 percent volunteer-led organization dedicated to expanding the city’s tree canopy.
“The benefits of this initiative extend beyond beautification,” DellaVecchia said. “Native trees act as ecological anchors by managing stormwater, cleaning the air, and providing vital habitats for local pollinators and wildlife.”
DellaVecchia said tree lined streets foster a sense of well-being and provide natural shade that lowers neighborhood temperatures, utility costs, and increases property values.
Corning City Mayor Pam Walker helped out with the effort on Tuesday. The mayor encourages residents to get involved in the community-wide movement.
“I’m delighted that this project is up and going,” Walker said. “It’s a really dynamic group of adults planting these trees. They’ve reached 100 trees and 50 more will be planted this year throughout the city of Corning. It’s really exciting.
“This is an incredibly positive thing for the city of Corning,” Walker added, highlighting the benefits the trees will have for generations to come.
“We have volunteers out planting trees to add greenery to the city. The more we can bring back our shade canopy, the more walkable our city becomes, the more healthy we become. It’s just really exciting to see all these volunteers out here taking care of the community.”
Lucinda Bonady, owner of Bonady Garden Apartments, welcomed the addition of the trees to the North Side property.
“It’s just such an honor that they have selected Bonady’s to plant their trees today,” she said.
DellaVecchia said community members are invited to sign up to volunteer for the upcoming planting days, apply to have a tree planted in the space between the road and sidewalk at their property, or make a financial contribution.
For more information on the project, volunteer opportunities, or to sign up for a tree, contact the Corning Street Tree Project by visiting CorningTrees.org
This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corning volunteers plant 100th tree, 50 more planned. How to get one
Reporting by Jeff Smith, Corning Leader / The Leader
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
