Celebrated on the last Friday in April in the U.S., Arbor Day, much like Earth Day, is a holiday that celebrates nature.  A day of optimism for the planet, Arbor Day is a time to observe, appreciate, and plant trees.  Arbor Day was first celebrated in 1872 as a way to encourage farmers to plant and care for trees for practical purposes-shade, shelter, food, and fuel-but also to beautify open areas.

Trees furnish us with the essentials of life: oxygen and food.  Trees contribute to the environment in innumerable ways; they improve air quality, provide climate amelioration, conserve water, preserve soil, and support wildlife.   They also intercept unhealthy particles by removing dust and absorbing pollutants, including carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.  Our green friends provide additional necessities, such as shelter, medicine, and tools.  It goes without saying trees are the lifeblood of the world.

On Friday, April 28, our Bridge to Crafts Careers Landscape Restoration Program (LRP) interns dedicated the day to beautifying Van Cortlandt Park in the Northwest Bronx.  With help from the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, interns planted trees and shrubs at Memorial Grove, which was originally installed as a living tribute to Bronxites who lost their lives while fighting for our country.  Under the guidance of Project Manager at the Davey Tree Expert Company Herb Landmann, interns stocked the memorial honoring the American desire for freedom with one crabapple, three winterberry hollies, and four blueberry shrubs.  Well-chosen and positioned, these trees and shrubs will make a beautiful focal point for the iconic veterans’ memorial in New York City’s third largest park.

Funded by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development’s Advance and Earn initiative, LRP offers career and workforce development for underrepresented youth in our community.  To learn more about LRP, please click here.