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CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. The Village of Croton was once again recognized as a Tree City by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, one of 110 campuses and communities in New York, and one of more than 3,000 tree cities in the United States.
We take for granted that managing urban forests is a priority, but it used to be a hap-hazard piecemeal process. Its been said sometimes that city forests are not in their natural habitat, they have to cohabitate with houses and roads, so they need that care, said Sean Barry, spokesperson for the Arbor Day Foundation.
The program began in 1976 and Croton has been a Tree City for more than 25 years. Members of the Croton staff must attend educational conferences and celebrate Arbor Day each year. Croton also has a tree replacement program, which includes funding for tree care and replacement. In 2011, the budget was more than $77,000 more than $6,500 of which went to new trees in the community.
Village Manager Abraham Zambrano acknowledged that the village has experienced some controversy over tree care, especially with its most famous tree, the Merwin Oak in Vassallo Park. When the village was designing its new C logo a maple leaf in the logo specifically referenced the Merwin Oak.
Zambrano said, the tree does appear to be healthy and we certainly do spend some time maintaining it, about the Merwin Oak. The oak is being cared for Goldens Tree Service located in Montrose.
Although the state recognized Croton as a Tree City, the Arbor Day Foundation likely will not make a final announcement about applicants until late March. Arbor Day is April 27, 2012.
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