Lockport, NY – City officials have announced that Arbor Day will again be celebrated in Lockport on April 26th, as part of the community’s ongoing commitment to be a Tree City USA community. “Trees beautify our community and increase property values,” said Mayor John Lombardi, III, “I am proud that the city of Lockport and several community partners are celebrating this Arbor Day.”
As part of that effort, the City of Lockport Tree Committee is offering city residents the opportunity to have a tree replaced, if one was previously removed. “The goal of the tree committee is to work with the community to expand awareness and knowledge of tree plantings and care. We will continue to work with the community and our city departments with a goal to replace 60 trees in the city,” said 2nd Ward Alderwoman Anita Mullane.
This initiative was funded by a grant through the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Division of Lands and Forests Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program. The City of Lockport was awarded a Tree Planting in Disadvantaged Communities after the Ash Tree Loss grant for $22,075. These trees will be appropriately sized, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing, providing shade and beauty and creating a sense of serenity. The three types of trees available for city residents to choose from are: Honey Locust, Hawthorne, and Service Berry. This project will promote tree preservation and proactive tree care to ensure the long-term survival of older trees. In addition, it will provide a diverse and healthy tree population that will be an asset to the city and its residents for many generations to come.
If city residents have had a tree removed and are interested in having it replaced, they can contact Alderwoman Mullane at: Ward2@LockportNY.gov
The tree committee encourages local businesses, organizations, and individuals to participate in Arbor Day by doing a planting. In addition to the City’s plantings, Lockport High School, General Motors, and People, Inc. will also be celebrating Arbor Day. People Inc. will plant two trees at Nelson Hopkins Apartments at 5562 Davison Road. A ceremonial tree planting will take place at General Motors (200 Upper Mountain Road) at 12:00 noon.
The tentative schedule for April 26 (Arbor Day) is as follows:
- 10:00am: Lockport High School West, 319 West Avenue
- 10:30am: Outwater Park with Aaron Mossell Junior High Students
- 10:55am: Lockport High School, 250 Lincoln Avenue, Meg Hauser, SUNY Forestry students (they will procure their own tree)
- 12:00 Noon: General Motors, 200 Upper Mountain Road, Lockport