Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management (PBRM) Patrick Sullivan joined with City Forester Alex Sherman, former City Forester Ed Casey, Brightwood Principal Danielle Delgado, and ReGreen Springfield Director Dave Bloniarz to celebrate Arbor Day in the City of Springfield with a tree planting ceremony at Brightwood-Lincoln Elementary School on Friday, April 28th. Earlier this week, the City of Springfield was notified that has once again earned the “Tree City” designation through the Arbor Day Foundation.
The students in the farming club at Brightwood-Lincoln school joined to help with the tree planting and were very impressed by Mayor Sarno’s special Arbor Day neck-tie. In honor of Arbor Day, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno sported his hand-crafted wooden neck tie fashioned and presented to the Mayor by City of Springfield Building Supervisor John Bilodeau and retired City Forester Ed Casey a few years ago.
Mayor Sarno stated, “This year marks the 38th Arbor Day observance in our Springfield, which, thanks to the leadership of Parks Director Patrick Sullivan and City Forester Alex Sherman, we will once again celebrate with a tree planting at our new state-of-the-art Brightwood-Lincoln School. I want to also 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.”
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 38th Arbor Day and 37 years as a Tree City USA. Our tree planting program continues to support Mayor Sarno’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. The tree we plant today will be enjoyed by future generations of Springfield residents and students.”
