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Attention tree lovers, huggers and climbers! The Norwalk-Wilton Tree Festival returns to Cranbury Park (which borders both communities) for a fourth year on May 22, with its popular rope tree-climb for kids (harnessed and hard hatted, of course); tents housing a diverse lineup of environmentally-minded exhibitors and demonstrations by experts in tree care, for the homeowner with trees on their property. All activities and demonstrations are dedicated to promoting the urban forest, and are free. Even the refreshments - hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn and soda - are gratis. Door prizes will be given out at regular interevals during the event as well.
Last year's festival drew 1,000 people, all of whom must have come away with a greater appreciation for how trees help us. The Norwalk Tree Alliance, a volunteer group which helps oversee Norwalk's 20,000 city trees, cites many more reasons why we need to care for our trees than just because they're beautiful. "They filter impurities from the air by trapping dust and converting CO2 to oxygen. They make for more efficient stormwater management, helping to prevent soil erosion and flooding. They yield fruit and sustenance for birds and wildlife. They define property lines. They serve as fences and provide windbreaks. And they are planted as memorials and monuments." The Alliance's efforts have helped the city attain the distinctive designation, from the U.S. Arbor Day Foundation, of "Tree City USA" for the fifth consecutive year, one of only 15 communities in Connecticut to achieve this.
And, of course, trees are for play. "The festival is just a lot of fun. The smiles and enthusiasm of attendees last year really made the whole event so worthwhile," says Elizabeth Craig, Wilton Festival Co-chair of the Steering Committee and a Garden Club member." It was also a chance to "celebrate the beautiful trees that make New England so lovely," she says.The festival, a collaboration among the Norwalk Tree Alliance, Norwalk Department of Public Works, the Wilton Garden Club and the Wilton Tree Committee, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 22nd at Cranbury Park.
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