The City of New Rochelle, joined by New Rochelle High School science students and nursery school students from the Pre-School Learning Center, observed Arbor Day by planting two red maple trees at Huguenot Park.

In addition to recognition for being a Tree City for over three decades, New Rochelle also received a “Growth Award” in 2022 from the Arbor Day Foundation for environmental prowess.

The tree planting ceremony was a collaboration between the departments of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Development. Attending the event were Mayor Noam Bramson, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Vin Parise and Deputy Commissioner Lauren O’Connor, Tree Inspector Paul Rebholz, Director of Planning and Sustainability Kevin Kain, Sustainability Coordinator Nick Sioufas, and Ecology and Natural Resources Committee members Paul Presendieu, Chair, and Raya Salter. New Rochelle High School science students from AP Environmental, the Green Club and Science Honor Society attended with educator Carmen Glenn, and four-year-olds from the Pre-School Learning Center were accompanied by Director Danielle Field and staff.

"Trees provide wide-ranging benefits: beauty, cooling shade, flood mitigation, and carbon absorption, among many others. That's why, as part of our overall sustainability goals, New Rochelle is working to enhance and expand our urban forestry,” said Mayor Noam Bramson.

Residents can sign up for a street tree in their neighborhood through the City’s website www.newrochelleny.com/plantatree. Building the City’s tree canopy is one of the goals of greeNR, New Rochelle’s sustainability plan.