National Arbor Day Foundation announces Western New York Tree Recovery Program

10/27/06
For more information, contact
Woodrow L. Nelson (402) 474-5655,
wnelson [at] arborday [dot] org

Jim Lawson
West Seneca Youth Bureau/AmeriCorps
716-558-3324
jlawson [at] wsyb [dot] org

Free trees to be distributed for restoring storm-damaged area

Nebraska City, Neb. – In the wake of the October surprise snowstorms that severely damaged much of the tree canopies in Buffalo and Western New York, The National Arbor Day Foundation, in collaboration with Youth Bureau AmeriCorps and the office of Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter, announces the Western New York Tree Recovery Program is underway. The Program is designed to help with the area's tree recovery efforts by providing thousands of new trees to anyone needing to replant.

"I am very grateful for the Arbor Day Foundation's enthusiasm and willingness to help Western New York fully recover from this disaster," Rep. Slaughter said. "The storm was especially hard on our region's beautiful natural landscape. This tree donation program will provide new life in our backyards, and also restore and invigorate our local parks."

Through donations from Arbor Day Foundation members and other concerned organizations and citizens nationwide, the Arbor Day Foundation will provide seedlings of several tree species native to the region and send them to Western New York for free distribution to residents, parks, and municipalities. Representative Slaughter and the West Seneca AmeriCorp's office will set-up tree distribution centers, and work with local officials and organizations to ensure that as many needs as possible are met. The first shipment of trees is slated to arrive in April, just in time for Spring planting.

"We are pleased to be a part of this campaign to help families rebuild their community forests and bring back the many benefits of trees in their yards, neighborhoods and towns," said Arbor Day Foundation President John Rosenow. "Through their contributions, supporters throughout America can make it possible for Western New Yorkers to plant native trees, restoring the beauty, habitat, and conservation benefits they provide."

"While Western New York is still reeling from the devastation left behind by the October Surprise. storm, we are grateful to be working with the National Arbor Day Foundation and Congresswoman Slaughter on the Western New York Tree Recovery Program," said Mark Lazzara, Executive Director for West Seneca's AmeriCorps program. The road to recovery really is planted one tree at a time." For each $10 donation to the Western New York Tree Recovery Program, the Arbor Day Foundation will provide 10 new trees. Each dollar contributed by members, organizations, and citizens to the program delivers a tree to the people who need to replant what was lost. In recognition of their commitment, Rosenow said the Arbor Day Foundation will provide each donor of $10 or more a free membership to the Foundation including a subscription to the Foundation's bimonthly publication, Arbor Day.

To contribute to the Western New York Tree Recovery Campaign, people can send contributions to The National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, or contribute online at arborday.org/westernnewyork.

The National Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.

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