County Executive Adam Bello Announces Bicentennial Tree Planting in County Parks

April 1st, 2022

200 Trees For Our 200 Years

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To celebrate Monroe County’s 200th anniversary, the Parks Department is planting 200 native species trees this week throughout county parks. The new trees will feed wildlife, support pollinators, provide habitats and add beauty to the park system.

“Our parks are an essential part of the quality of life here in Monroe County,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “They are beautiful public spaces where families and individuals can connect with nature, have fun and stay healthy and fit. As we Celebrate More nature as part of our Bicentennial, these 200 trees we’re planting will create a living legacy that generations of Monroe County residents can enjoy for years to come.”

All of the tree species were selected by the Parks Department staff for the diverse benefits they provide our ecosystem:

“Our park system has contributed to the quality of life throughout our county’s rich history. The planting of these 200 trees will help keep that legacy going,” said Monroe County Parks Director Patrick Meredith. “I want to thank the men and women of our staff who work so hard to make efforts like this a reality and help make our parks a great place for our residents to relax and enjoy nature.”

Tree species include:

  • Quercus varieties (Swamp White Oak): Native wildlife trees that provide ample shade, host pollinators and provide habitat for songbirds, ground birds, water birds and mammals. Their acorns are an important food source for wildlife.

  • Malus varieties (Apple Trees): Beautiful blossoms in the spring, provide food for wildlife, and have nice fall color.

  • Celtis Occidentalis (Hackberry): Hackberry is a preferred food source for birds and butterflies.

  • Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel): An attractive native pollinator shrub that supports 62 species of caterpillars.

  • Crataegus ‘Winter King’ (Hawthorn): Produces a large crop of berries that stay on the branches late to provide wildlife food in winter months. Bees and butterflies are attracted to its flowers and it is a good nesting habitat for birds.

  • Magnolia Acuminate (Cucumber Magnolia): This hardy tree is a host for numerous butterfly species and its fruits become forage for ground-feeding birds and small mammals.

  • Acer varieties (Maple): These fast-growing park trees provide beauty, shade and stellar fall colors. They are tolerant of wet conditions and make good street trees.

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