PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) Director of Urban Forestry Lori Hayes joined students and teachers from W.B. Saul High School and Samuel Gompers Elementary School, representatives from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry, Tiny WPA, Harmony Hill Nursery, and Parks and Rec urban forestry staff to celebrate Arbor Day at Belmont Plateau.
Hayes opened a brief speaking program by reading a proclamation from Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney declaring April 29th, 2022, to be Arbor Day. Kayla Kehres, a Forester for the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, presented Philadelphia with its 46th Tree City USA and Growth Award.
Horticulture majors from W.B. Saul High School led a presentation on Nyssa sylvatica, black gum trees–after which a ceremonial planting of a grove of three black gum trees donated by Harmony Hill Nursery took place at the former site of the Belmont Maple.
In addition, PPR arborists and staff led students in Arbor Day-related activities. PPR arborists demonstrated how they climb trees to keep them healthy and maintain the urban forest. PPR Staff from Pennypack Environmental Center helped students make and decorate their own necklaces out of “tree cookies” to take home–and PPR staff from Cobbs Creek Environmental Education Center provided students with binoculars and led a walk around the Plateau to look for birds, insects, and more.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Arbor Day as a national day to promote tree planting and care. On the first celebration of Arbor Day in Nebraska in 1872, an estimated one million trees were planted. Arbor Day is a recognition of the value of trees in building a healthy and thriving urban environment, an expression of gratitude for their many vital ecological services, and a commitment to the hard work required of all city residents to take care of our natural spaces.
“Arbor Day is not just a day of celebration; it’s also a day to remind us of the commitment and hard work required to manage and maintain our urban forest,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “I’m grateful for and proud of all the work our arborists do to care for our tree canopy, and particularly for Lori’s almost 40 years of service to our Parks system.”
“There’s no better way to spend Arbor Day than with young people,” said Lisa Blum, a teacher at W.B. Saul High School. “Establishing a tradition of forest stewardship, and care for our trees and natural spaces is key to promoting a greater and greener future. We’re grateful to Parks and Recreation for inviting us out today.
“While I was saddened by the Belmont Maple’s removal in December, I am happy knowing that these three black gum trees will continue to provide shade and comfort in its place, hopefully for decades to come,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Director of Urban Forestry Lori Hayes.
Stay involved by visiting phila.gov/ppr.
