The city of Rye held a community tree planting on Wednesday to recognize Arbor Day, but the groundwork has been laid throughout the year.
The ceremony was led by Tracy Stora, chair of the Rye Conservation Commission/Advisory Council (CCAC), and Hilary Garland, chair of the Rye Sustainability Committee.
The group — Tracy Stora, chair of the Rye Conservation Commission/Advisory Council (CCAC), and Hilary Garland, chair of the Rye Sustainability Committee — collectively planted a red oak tree, which could possibly thrive for up to 400 years, according to environmentalists.
The red oak is one of more than 200 trees that the city has planted this year, reflecting the city’s commitment to green infrastructure, according to city officials. The city has long been a Tree City USA designee, a national movement that encourages communities to expand their tree canopy.
Mayor Josh Cohn addressed the group and recognized the efforts of city staff and volunteers in keeping Rye’s trees vibrant and healthy. Councilwoman Jamie Jensen, a Democrat, and Councilman Bill Henderson, a Republican who is running for mayor, also joined the ceremony.
City Engineer Ryan Coyne and City Tree Foreman Bill Weeks talked about recent tree planting initiatives and shared best practices with residents on how to properly plant and care for trees at home.
Rye High School student Anna Gimpelevich read her original poem titled “Nature’s Being” at the event. She was joined by fellow Rye High students Ava Perota and Ella Froah.
