Binghamton -- The Department of Parks and Recreation, Shade Tree Commission, and 25 volunteers collaborated to plant 164 trees in Binghamton’s  public utility strips between November 13th and 28th, fulfilling resident requests for trees at those sites and enhancing the sustainability of the local tree population.

“I applaud the recent tree planting effort, and all who contributed to it,” said Mayor Ryan. “Additional tree canopy will further beautify our streets, advancing our vision of ‘Healthy Neighborhoods.’  Also, I am encouraged by the partnerships between our Parks Department, Shade Tree Commission, and residents. That kind of teamwork and volunteerism will benefit the entire community.”

The project’s total cost was $9,605, with $6,858 covered by the City and the remaining $2,747 paid by the Tree Fund, a collection of private donations dedicated to planting more trees in Binghamton. Mayor Ryan proposed the City Tree Fund in April of this year, in support of his pledge to increase Binghamton’s tree population by 10% annually. City Council approved the Fund shortly thereafter, helping that pledge become a reality.

To diversify the City’s tree population, the Commission recommended that the Department of Parks and Recreation buy a specific set of nine species. Of these, “Ornamental Trees” included Callery Pear, Choke Cherry, Mountain Ash, and Ivory Silk Lilac. “Shade Trees” included Frontier Elm, White Oak, Katsura Trees, Zelcova, and Accolade Elm.