On Saturday, Gardiner residents flocked to Majestic Park for a variety of Arbor Day festivities. The event was organized by the Town of Gardiner in addition to its parks and recreation committee as well as Climate Smart Gardiner Taskforce.

Attendees were treated to a tree-planting ceremony as well as a Q and A on gardening. In addition, residents participated in a tree ID scavenger hunt, where they found types of trees such as the flowering dogwood, sugar maple and river beach. These trees were purchased through a $1,000 grant sent from the New York State Urban Forestry Council. There was also a storybook walk, which educated residents about trees.

Gardiner resident Ruby Mayer kicked off the event with a number of tree jokes.

“What did the tree wear to the pool party?” she asked. “Swimming trunks!”

Franco Carucci, a Gardiner Town Board council member, gave a quote from Dr. Seuss’ book “The Lorax”, which highlighted the importance of being eco-friendly.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing’s going to get better, it’s not,” he said.

Gardiner Town Supervisor Marybeth Majestic dedicated April 24, 2021 as Arbor Day in the town.

“I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands,” she said. “Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.”

Both Sean O’Sullivan, a sixth grade student at New Paltz Middle School, and Gardiner Town Supervisor Marybeth Majestic recited poems. Majestic read a poem from Ilan Shamir’s book “Advice From a Tree”, which offered guidance from a tree’s perspective.

“Stand tall and proud...,” Majestic read. “Be content with your natural beauty. Go out on a limb.”

Tim Hunter, a resident of Gardiner, commemorated Arbor Day with the Earth Pledge and a musical performance of his song “Plant a Tree.”

“Do we need another factory? No, plant a tree...,” he sang. “Will you help the birds and bumblebees? Yes, plant a tree.”

The Gardiner Library even joined in on the fun, opening an hour early on Saturday and offering a variety of books on trees.

On Saturday, May 8 at 9 a.m., the Climate Smart Gardiner Taskforce and the parks and recreation committee in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be planting 300 trees along the Wallkill River. Planting the trees is fully grant funded by the state DEC Trees for Tribs program. This event will take place at the Town of Gardiner Transfer Station, 131 Steves Lane, Gardiner.

Those interested in participating can register on eventbrite.com.

Attendees can bring masks, hand sanitizer, work gloves, water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. Participants should be prepared, as there is a 15 minute hike to the planting site. Those in attendance should wear sturdy work boots and work clothes. The rain date for the event is May 23.