Warwick children help plant a tree for Arbor Day

Warwick - Designation as a “Tree City, USA” is an asset to any town or village, according to the National Garden Bureau. So are a vital shade tree commission, an inventory of trees, a tree-planting and replacement policy and a preservation program. The Village of Warwick qualifies in all areas. On Thursday, April 27, the Park Avenue School first grade classes of Charlene Sommerland and Jennie Priovolos marched to Stanley-Deming Park to help plant a Scarlet Oak tree for Arbor Day and also to learn from Mayor Michael Newhard that Warwick had again been named a “Tree City, USA” for the 23rd consecutive year. The designation is awarded by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Village Trustee and Shade Tree Commissioner Roger Metzger, a 40-year veteran of the Shade Tree Commission, welcomed the children and explained their role in the annual tree-planting ceremony. Newhard added that each year, the tree-planting is dedicated to a special person. “This year,” he said, “we are commemorating this planting to all the kids of Warwick.” The mayor then pointed to a tall tree: “I remember when they planted that tree. Someday you will be able to say the same thing about this one.” Lou Sebesta, an urban/community forester for the state Department of Environmental Conservation, asked the children to name some benefits people receive from trees. The variety of all correct answers included fresh air, paper, syrup, houses and swings. Sebesta also explained that humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. “Trees, however, breathe in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen,” he said. During the ceremony, the school children sang a special song, “We Love Trees.” All of the children were then invited to take turns shoveling some dirt to help plant the new tree. Donald Kowalczik, an employee of Wadeson’s Home Center, then handed out tiny evergreens donated by his company, so each child could plant in his or her own backyard. This year the official celebration of Arbor Day was held on April 28. The idea, which quickly spread throughout the country, was first observed in Nebraska in 1872.