A small but stalwart crowd braved the 40-degree temperature and gusty winds off the choppy waters of Lakeside Park on April 23 for the dedication of a newly planted tree, donated by the Cazenovia Garden Club.
Tree Commissioner Tom Tait welcomed the gathered group, explained the Village Tree Commission’s continuing mission and activities and provided information about the tree’s features. The paperbark maple will grace the south end of the park’s picnic pavilion against a backdrop of taller larch trees and features distinctive, exfoliating cinnamon-colored bark, reaching an ultimate height of 25 feet.
Mayor Kurt Wheeler read a list of more than 20 trees gifted to the Village since 2012. Many were memorial trees donated in honor of family members, while others were given by individuals or civic groups. Pauline Ireland represented the Cazenovia Garden Club and also spoke of other beautification activities sponsored by the Club, such as annual planting of summer window boxes or winter garland hanging in the business district.
Tree Commission member Ted Bartlett read the official Arbor Day proclamation, in honor of the first American Arbor Day on April 10, 1872, which originated in Nebraska City, NE., and was celebrated by the planting of an estimated one million trees in Nebraska.
Arbor Day is observed all around the world although the Spanish village of Mondoñedo is credited with holding the first documented arbor plantation festival in 1594, celebrated by the planting of lime and horse chestnut trees.
