Environment DEC
From the May 2007 issue
State's First Lady and DEC Commissioner Grannis Commemorate Arbor Day in New York
New York's First Lady, Silda Wall Spitzer, joined state and local officials, industry representatives and local school children to celebrate Arbor Day. New York's annual Arbor Day observance, which occurred at the Executive Mansion in Albany, featured a tree-planting ceremony, presentation of industry awards and the unveiling of the 2007 Arbor Day poster.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said, "Arbor Day is an opportunity to celebrate one of our most valuable renewable resources. Not only do trees enhance the natural beauty of our urban and rural landscapes, they provide critical habitat for wildlife and improve air and water quality, as well as promote energy conservation. Trees are essential for assuring a healthy environment and improving the quality of life in our communities."
Recognition and Awards
In addition to the tree planting, the Arbor Day ceremony was an opportunity to recognize several individuals for their outstanding environmental stewardship efforts and contributions within the arboriculture industries.
- Earle Peterson of Fly Creek, Otsego County, was recognized as 2007 New York State Tree Farmer of the Year.
- Robert Davis of Skaneateles, Onondaga County, was named the 2007 New York Tree Farm Inspecting Forester of the Year.
- Carly Borrello of Woodlawn Elementary School, Schenectady County, was recognized as the Capital District winner of the 2007 Arbor Day Children's Poster Contest.
Michael Pollack, President of the New York State Nursery Landscape Association, also presented State Environmental Beautification Landscape Awards at the ceremony.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the 2007 Arbor Day Poster created by Joanne Resch of Fort Plain, Montgomery County. It features a unique leaf design for each of the four seasons. Entitled "Trees for Life," the poster symbolizes the beauty of trees in New York State. Paper for the posters comes from sustainably managed Adirondack forests and was donated by International Paper's Ticonderoga Mill.
Arbor Day
Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and tree care and highlights the importance of trees to our environment, our economy and our quality of life. Founded by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska in 1872, National Arbor Day is celebrated each year on the last Friday in April.
Pictured with 2007 Arbor Day Poster Contest Winner Carly Borrello from Schenectady are (from the left) Assemblyman Paul Tonko, DAM Commissioner Pat Hooker, DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, Statewide Arbor Day Poster Designer Joanne Resch and First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer.
