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Mayor Sarno and Parks Department to Celebrate Arbor Day with Two Tree Planting Events

|   City News

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreational Management (PBRM) Patrick Sullivan joined with City Forester Alex Sherman to celebrate Arbor Day in the City of Springfield with two tree-planting events. 

Mayor Sarno, PBRM Director Sullivan and City Forester Sherman joined with students and staff of Daniel B. Brunton School for the annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 29th.  The ceremony included a planting of a Black Tupelo tree and each student in attendance received a Douglas Fir tree seedling.  Mayor Sarno presented a proclamation declaring Friday, April 29, 2022 as Arbor Day in the City of Springfield while wearing a special handcrafted wooden necktie that was fashioned and presented to him by Springfield Building Supervisor John Bilodeau and retired City Forester Ed Casey.

Mayor Sarno stated, “This year marks the 37th Arbor Day observance in our Springfield, which, thanks to the leadership of Parks Director Patrick Sullivan and our City Forester Alex Sherman, we can celebrate with a tree planting.  I want to acknowledge and thank our dedicated Forestry Division for maintaining these vital resources for our city.  I am proud of our city’s commitment to tree planting, conservation and environmental stewardship and I look forward to the day when we can all come together again and celebrate our city’s rich natural resources.”

Executive Director of PBRM Patrick Sullivan said, “I want to thank Mayor Sarno and Congressman Neal for their leadership in supporting our City’s green initiatives.  Springfield is proud to be celebrating its 37th Arbor Day and 36 years as a Tree City USA.  These tree plantings continue to support our city’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan of planting trees to help with cooling and air quality in our neighborhoods.” 

City Forester Alex Sherman stated, “The City of Springfield is fortunate to have many historic trees throughout it’s’ neighborhoods and parks.  Arbor Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the legacy and tradition the City of Springfield has on our natural environment and consider the environmental legacy we will leave for the future.  We know that this Black Tupelo tree we plant today will be enjoyed by future generations of Springfield residents and students.”

The second Arbor Day event will take place at Gerrish Park, 308 Walnut Street from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, where Arbortech Tree Services has graciously offered to donate a day a tree work to celebrate Arbor Day.  The work will include the removal of hazardous trees and trimming of existing trees to improve the safety and enjoyment of the Park.  In addition, an October Glory red maple tree donated by Arbortech Tree Services, LLC will also be planted at the park.

Mayor Sarno stated, “I want to thank Randy Sample and the Arbortech Tree Service team for their generous donation to celebrate Arbor Day in the City of Springfield.  This is an excellent example of a successful Springfield business giving back to the community.  Parks Director Patrick Sullivan, City Forester Alex Sherman and I are very thankful to Arbortech for helping to improve one of our many beautiful city parks.”

Executive Director of PBRM Patrick Sullivan said, “I want to thank Randy Sample and his team for this generous donation.  Their work will help to improve the safety of Gerrish Park for the neighborhood residents who enjoy visiting.”

City Forester Alex Sherman stated, “Arbortech Tree Service, LLC is committed to high quality and professional Arboricultural work.  This project is a perfect example of this mission.  I want to thank Randy for this donation and Happy Arbor Day!”

Randy Sample said, “As a Springfield business we wanted to find a way to give back to the City.  Being able to provide our services to improve a public park is a great way to do so.  I want to thank Mayor Sarno and Director Sullivan for providing us this opportunity to Celebrate Arbor Day in the City of Springfield.” 

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Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm