The Town of DeWitt and Onondaga Earth Corps are “building community” with their annual Fall Tree Planting Event in the town of DeWitt from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 14, at DeWitt Town Hall on Butternut Drive.
On the agenda will be the planting of some 150 trees. The town provides the tools, food and the expertise, but they need volunteers. It’s an educational and fun community activity for the whole family and church, neighborhood, service or social groups are welcome and encouraged.
“As a lifelong environmentalist, this town event is close to my heart,” said Town of DeWitt Supervisor Ed Michalenko. “Chris Manchester heads this up and she does a tremendous job. Everyone who comes out to help has a good time. It’s a fun, educational event that helps to protect and preserve our forests and build real connection and community in DeWitt.”
The project is made possible through funding by the U.S. Forest Services’ Great Lakes Restoration Initiative under their invasive species program.
Several invasive species are presently threatening local forests. The loss of certain tree species in this part of the country would have a devastating effect — and long-lasting impact — on timber, maple syrup, furniture production, water quality, habitat and recreation opportunities such as fishing, hiking and kayaking.
“The best defense against protecting our forests from the invasion of insects is to plant a wide variety of tree species,” said DeWitt Certified Arborist and Town Naturalist Christine Manchester who organizes the event. “That’s the aim of our event … to plant a tree, preserve our forests and grow our community.”
The trees being planted are pawpaw, shagbark hickory, hazelnut, persimmon, sweetgum, sassafras and black gum. Additionally, a hemlock hedge to aid Cornell University’s research team in managing hemlock wooly adelgid will be planted. This hedge will also become living walls to the Butterfly Garden.
Manchester recommends volunteers dress for the weather in long pants and sleeves, work boots and work gloves, and bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Also, rain gear if needed. Non-motorized tools are welcome.
For more information call 315-446-9250, ext. 137.
