Saturday, April 26 is Arbor Day at East Meadow Farm! Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County Master Gardener volunteers and staff for a tree planting ceremony and native tree and shrub seedlings give-away courtesy of the New York State Saratoga Nursery. Arbor Day is a holiday dedicated to recognizing and celebrating trees. Unlike other holidays and celebrations that honor people or events of the past, Arbor Day promotes a better future through trees. It’s a day to share our knowledge and passion about trees, the many benefits trees provide and how to properly plant and care for tree and shrub seedlings with everyone in our communities, especially youth .
Everyone benefits from planting trees in our community, benefits that go well beyond providing beauty or shade. The public often does not know or recognize all benefits that have. Here are just some of the benefits of trees that have been identified by experts in several fields of research:
- Environmental Benefits of Trees- Improved air quality, and sequestration of carbon. Slowing climate change and cooling the air. Moderating the effects of sun, wind and rain and reducing storm water runoff and soil erosion as well as providing and improving habitat for wildlife
- Economic Benefits of Trees - Increasing (5%-20%) residential and business property values and tax base for community. Lower energy use costs for heating and air conditioning. Attracting visitors, business and new residents, encourage shoppers to linger and buy more and increases in rental of apartments and offices and reducing vacancy rates. Trees reduce worker sick days
- Psychological and Health Benefits of Trees – Trees reduce stress and mental fatigue, improving mental health, reducing obesity, and the need for medication. Views of trees enhance recuperation rates
- Social and Communal Benefits of Trees - Beautify public spaces. Improve the quality of life for residents of the community and increase in community pride. Provide increases in recreational opportunities and reductions in psychological precursors to crime. Trees bring natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban spaces. Trees screen unwanted views, reduce glare and reflection from street lights and automobiles
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County’s (CCE-NC) East Meadow Farm, Horticulture Center, Demonstration and Community Gardens are located at 832 Merrick Ave. East Meadow, NY 11554, Phone 516-565-5265 ext. 10. The Horticulture Center provides residents and professionals gardening information, diagnostic lab services and soil testing. Walk –in Hours and Garden Helpline 516-565-5265 ext. 7, Tues, Wed, Th, Sat 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Th Eve. 4-7 p.m. Demonstration and community gardens are open dawn to dusk.
