Friday, April 28, 2017
The City of Springfield held its 32nd Annual Arbor Day Celebration today at Forest Park. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, City Forrester Ed Casey, Paperboard Packaging Council President Ben Markens, Liz Quigley respesenting Congressman Richard E. Neal and representatives from ReGreen Springfield joined students from the ECOS Environmental Learning Center in planting a ‘Ruby Red’ Horsechestnut tree to become part of the Forest Park Arboretum collection. The Paperboard Packaging Council donated at total of five new trees to add to the living plant collection for the official kick-off of the Forest Park Arboretum Project spearheaded by the DPBRM and ReGreen Springfield.
Mayor Sarno presented an official proclamation to commemorate the day, and students received seedlings to increase their awareness of the environmental, social and economic benefits that trees contribute to the City of Springfield.
Mayor Sarno stated, “How appropriate that we celebrate Arbor Day at the magnificent Forest Park. The Forest Park Arboretum will educate generations of Springfield residents about trees and instill a sense wonder and curiosity of the natural world.”
Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of the DPBRM, said, “Forest Park has always been one of Springfield’s most treasured natural spaces. The creation of the Forest Park Arboretum will give city residents yet another wonderful attraction to enjoy here at the park.”
Ben Markens, President of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), said, “As part of PPC’s TICCIT Program—which educates students across the country about the benefits of trees and recyclable paper—we are pleased to donate five trees to Springfield’s beautiful Forest Park Arboretum. Although PPC represents companies who make paper packaging throughout the U.S. and Canada, we are headquartered right here in Springfield. To contribute to the community where we work and live each day is extremely meaningful.”
The Arbor Day Foundation just recently recognized the City of Springfield as a Tree City USA for the 31st consecutive year for its commitment in effective urban forest management.
