An Arbor Day oak tree planting dedication and proclamation took place May 2 at Old Greenwich School with many students attending.
JoAnn Messina of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, organized the event and spoke about the history of Arbor Day and read the Selectman’s Proclamation. Also in attendance were: Bruce Spaman, Town Tree Warden; Denise Savageau, Director of Greenwich Conservation Commission; Jennifer Bencivengo, Old Greenwich School Principal; Karen Handal, President of sponsoring Garden Club of Old Greenwich.
Arbor Day began in 1872 in Nebraska when Sterling Martin a pioneer and journalist, planted trees for wind breaks to hold the soil in place. Schools took up tree planting and each class would plant and care for a tree. It then became a national and international event.
This is the second oak tree the Garden Club of Old Greenwich has sponsored. The Pin Oak, planted in front of Old Greenwich School, will support over 500 species of larvae, the food source for all hatchlings.
