Ceremonial tree planting at Gritman Pond Park April 30

April 24, 2022 John Snyder
Growing a great idea: Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo, Shade Tree Committee member Fred Rella, and councilmember and shade tree liaison Erin Collins at the April 19 meeting of the governing body. Invitations to the borough’s April 30 tree planting at Gritman Pond Park are going out by mail in surrounding neighborhoods, and on social media. Courtesy photo/Pascack Press border.

WESTWOOD—Happy 150th anniversary of Arbor Day! You’re invited to attend  the ceremonial planting of an Eastern redbud at Gritman Pond Park (Meadow Road entrance) on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m.

The Borough of Westwood’s governing body read a proclamation into the record at its April 18 meeting, establishing Friday, April 29, 2022 as Arbor Day here:

  • WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has set aside the last Friday of April as Arbor Day to commemorate the appreciation of trees; and
  • WHEREAS, Westwood is once again a Tree City USA, proving its continued commitment to planting, nurturing and protecting the borough’s trees; and
  • WHEREAS, trees foster a healthy environment by purifying our air, retaining soil and water, and modifying temperatures; and
  • WHEREAS, Westwood trains its volunteers and DPW employees in proper arboricultural practices,
  • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Westwood that Friday, April 29, 2022 is Arbor Day in the Borough of Westwood; and
  • BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that residents are invited to celebrate Arbor Day at a Municipal Celebration and Tree Planting Ceremony on Saturday, April 30, 2022 and
  • BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that all citizens are urged to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands.

About Arbor Day

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “As pioneers began moving into the Nebraska Territory, the lack of trees was felt deeply. Not only did the new residents miss the trees they left behind, they were also left without the trees they needed as windbreaks to keep the soil in place, for fuel and building materials, and for shade from the hot sun.”

The foundation notes Arbor Day was officially proclaimed in 1874 by Nebraska’s governor, Robert W. Furnas.

Now, says the foundation, “While most holidays celebrate something that has already happened and is worth remembering, Arbor Day represents a hope for the future. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty — all for a better tomorrow.”