City of Rochester News Release - City and County Celebrate 41st Annual Arbor Day

(Friday, April 26, 2024) -Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and City Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Richard Perrin II convened the 41^st Anniversary of the City and County Annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Trenton and Pamela Jackson Recreation Center at 485 N. Clinton Ave. today. They planted a Sugar Maple and an Eastern Red Bud tree, and read a joint proclamation to mark the event.

"These trees are a testament to our commitment to the environment, the health of our city, and a gift to future generations who will sit beneath their shade," said Mayor Malik D. Evans. "What we plant today represents a promise we make to dedicate ourselves to celebrating and protecting our urban forest."

The City of Rochester and Monroe County first jointly celebrated Arbor Day in 1983 at Highland Park and commemorated the event by planting a Bishop McQuaid Lilac.

"It's said that those that plant trees love others beside themselves. Trees are essential and elevate our quality of life here in Monroe County," Said County Executive Adam Bello. "Every year, we plant hundreds of trees in our parks and join with the City of Rochester to celebrate Arbor Day and to recommit to our goal of a healthy environment for generations to come."

The event was made possible through a partnership of the City of Rochester, Monroe County Parks, Plant GFLX Horticultural Associates, Meadowview Tree Farm and Nursery, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County and the New York State Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.

Two years ago, the City of Rochester created the Tree Expansion and Beautification Initiative to address the City's tree canopy disparity. To date, 2,000 trees have been planted, with 4,000 more slated for planting by 2025 with the goal being 70,000 trees.

Additionally, the City's Forestry Division has recently completed a draft of the Urban Forest Master Plan Update. Residents are encouraged to read it and attend one of the many upcoming events to gather input on the plan.

The public meeting schedule is as follows:

• 6 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2024, at the Arnett Branch Library, 310 Arnett Blvd.
• 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2024, *at the Children's School of Rochester #15 gym, 85 Hillside Ave.
• *In advance of this meeting, attendees are invited to join a hike through Washington Grove-an old growth forest in the middle of the city. Meet in the school parking lot at 5 p.m. The hike will begin at 5:15 p.m. and will last approximately one hour.
• 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Rochester International Academy auditorium, 1 Edgerton Park
• 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 16, 2024, Ibero American Action League, 214 Clifford Ave.
• 6 p.m. Monday, May 20 2024, (virtual) Link to join: https://tinyurl.com/RocUrbanForestWebinar2024
• Webinar ID: 819 1492 3795
• Audio Only Call: 646-931-3860

For more information on the City of Rochester's Forestry Division and Urban Forest Master Plan Update, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/forestry-services.

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The Administration of Mayor Malik D. Evans strives to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone. Guided by the Administration's Mission, Vision and Values and the principles of the "Rochester 2034" comprehensive plan, City employees are committed to providing exceptional customer service, transparent stewardship, and collaborative leadership to foster a vibrant community that empowers personal, professional and generational growth for all who live, work or play in the city of Rochester.

SEE ALSO

Green Initiatives | Parks | Recreation Centers