It was day to revel in trees. Over 1000 people congregated in Cranbury Park yesterday, May 22, for the fourth Annual Norwalk-Wilton Tree festival. Michael Mushak was awarded Tree Steward of the Year for Norwalk. Mushak, a landscape architect, is a member of the Norwalk Tree Advisory Committee, a group that promotes the citys urban forest. Trees are important in an suburban setting, but I would say they are really important in an urban setting," said Mushak. "They have numerous environmental and aesthetic benefits. They reduce air pollution and prevent excess storm water. Theyre also a natural form of air conditioning and lower the temperature."
Over 30 local environmental groups set up tents all along the great lawn teaching people about trees, forestry and conservation. Rope climbing and tree cabling were available for the adventurous. Children ran from the face painting booth to the bean toss. Older kids hung out in the magnificent weeping beech that has come to symbolize Cranbury Park.
Admission was free and so was the food, thanks to the Norwalk Exchange Club. Families took a break from all the activity and ate grilled hot dogs and hamburgers in the large covered pavilion.
Halfdan Prahl came to the event in full festival regalia wearing coat tails, a top hat decorated with tree branches, and work boots. Prahl, a licensed arborist and longtime Wilton resident, was designated Tree Steward of the Year for Wilton, but he was uncomfortable with the recognition. Everyone here is a steward, said Prahl.
Halfdans modest and shy, said Nick Lee and member of the Wilton Conservation Commission Committee. He deserved the award. He's been such an advocate for trees.
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