Hudson Valley City Wins $20,000 in Trees
A Hudson Valley city was awarded $20,000 by the Arbor Day Foundation to plant new trees.
The TD Green Streets grant program was started four years ago to help urban areas become more tree-friendly. There are 10 cities across the country that have all been given $20,000 to fund urban forestry projects that include planting trees and maintaining green areas.
Several older trees will be removed to make way for 25 new trees. In addition, 18 more planting sites have been designated throughout the city.
This year, Newburgh was announced as one of the 10 cities that will be getting a horticultural facelift. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, The City of Newburgh’s Conservation Advisory Council and the Newburgh Heights Association have proposed a "Green Gateway" that would stretch across six blocks of Liberty St. Several older trees will be removed to make way for 25 new trees. In addition, 18 more planting sites have been designated throughout the city.
Because Newburgh currently has no equipment to water and maintain the new trees, an SUV equipped with a 150-gallon tank will also be purchased with the remaining money, as well as mulch and other gardening equipment.
The Hudson Valley's most famous tree was located not too far from the City of Newburgh until it was taken down last summer. The Balmville Tree stood watch over the Newburgh area for 300 years until it was deemed a safety hazard. Reports, however, say that the tree may actually still be alive.
The aim of the Arbor Day Foundation's grant is to instill a feeling of community pride and ownership. Informational meetings and workshops about the benefit of green spaces will also be conducted throughout Newburgh as a part of the program.
The other 2016 TD Green Streets grant winners are Bethlehem, PA; Bloomfield, NJ; Camden, NJ; Hollywood, FL; Miami, FL; New Haven, CT; Providence, RI; Rock Hill, SC and Worcester, MA.
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