Tree, Thanks
New, young street trees have been planted around Park Slope, most noticeably on the length of Seventh Avenue. But how did they get there?
The new trees of various species were added to our community as part of MillionTreesNYC, a plan organized by the New York City Parks Department and the New York Restoration Project to plant and care for — you guessed it — 1 million new trees around the five boroughs. Ultimately, according to the initiative’s website, that many plantings will increase the size of our city’s urban forest by about 20%. The new trees will help clean the city’s air, cool our streets, encourage neighborhood growth, and foster a more beautiful community.
On Park Slope’s Seventh Avenue, the drive for new trees started in 2008. “We chose Seventh because it really needed a makeover,” said Candace Woodward, Civic Council trustee and a prime mover for planting efforts locally. Fifty trees were requested and approved; about 15 will be put in place each planting season starting this year.
Our thanks go to everyone who worked so hard to get new trees for Park Slope, including Candace Woodward and Civic Council member Joe Rydell, who looked for appropriate sites and submitted locations; past president Ken Freeman, who with Woodward reached out for consent to plant from property owners and managing agents; and the Forestry Division of the Parks Department, who did the actual planting.
Get Ready for the House Tour
You can now buy tickets online for the 52nd Annual Park Slope House Tour, one of the Civic Council’s most popular events.
This year’s edition, set for Sunday, May 15, noon to 5 p.m., will explore the southern part of the Slope. The initial gathering point will be at P.S. 107, 1301 Eighth Ave. (at 13th Street). Advance tickets can be purchased at our website and, from May 1-14, at local merchants. Visit www.parkslopeciviccouncil.org/house-tour for details.
There are also opportunities to volunteer at the event. The biggest role will be to serve as house sitters to help mind people’s homes during the tour. E-mail housetour@www.parkslopeciviccouncil.org for to learn more.
The House Tour funds the Civic Council’s community grants program, which helps support local active and creative organizations each year. It’s also a great way to learn more about the community’s history, especially with the likely expansion of the Park Slope Historic District to this part of the neighborhood coming soon.
from the March 2011 Civic News