Million Trees NYC: Free Tree Giveaway For Locals

Source: Venkytsv via Wikimedia Commons

From the offices of Councilman David Greenfield:

In his latest effort to spruce up local neighborhoods and help improve the environment, Councilman David G. Greenfield is hosting a free tree giveaway this Sunday, October 21 at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School. The event, held in partnership with MillionTreesNYC and the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), will begin at noon and last until 2 p.m. or until the 100 tree allotment has been distributed. Interested residents can register for their free tree ahead of time online, and a limited amount of trees will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis on Sunday.

“This is a great way for residents to help spruce up their neighborhood. Trees improve our air quality and add to the beauty of our community, so I am proud to bring this great program to the district. I encourage anyone interested in breathing a little easier and doing their part to help the environment to register today for a free tree,” said Councilman Greenfield.

The giveaway is part of the city’s ongoing MillionTreesNYC initiative, which is a joint venture between the New York City Parks Department and New York Restoration Project that aims to plant and care for one million new trees across the five boroughs over the next decade. The goal is to increase the city’s urban forest, which is comprised of street trees, park trees and trees on public, private and commercial land, by 20 percent. This event is limited to one tree per household. The trees must be planted within the five boroughs, and cannot be planted along streets, in city parks, in containers or on roofs. In addition, the resident or family accepting the free tree is responsible for properly watering and maintaining it.

This marks the latest chapter in Councilman Greenfield’s community beautification projects that he has undertaken since taking office. Greenfield recently joined Assemblyman Bill Colton for several community cleanup days in Bensonhurst and has worked with various city agencies to combat illegal dumping and truck idling along Bay Parkway. He has also allocated millions of dollars to improve neighborhood parks and increase the amount of green space residents have access to.

“I am proud of all the progress we have made towards cleaning up and beautifying Midwood, Boro Park and Bensonhurst over the past few years. I will continue to work with city agencies, my colleagues in government and community groups to build on this progress with future events and initiatives aimed at making our streets nicer and improving our quality of life,” added Greenfield.

For more information about Sunday’s tree giveaway, contact Councilman Greenfield’s district office at (718) 853-2704. Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School is located at 5800 20th Avenue. To register ahead of time for a free tree, visit www.nyrp.org/milliontreesnyc.