By Rose S. Prinzi
As with all of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation funds, people and organizations have an opportunity to invest in the future. However, there is one endowment fund that is unlike any other the Foundation administers.With it, one can literally see the “fruits of its labor.” Through CRCF’s Urban Forestry Fund, donations are accepted for the purchase of trees to be planted in the City of Jamestown. This endowment fund was established in 1992 to provide money each year for the purchase of trees to be planted along the streets and in the parks.
Over the last 27 years, the City of Jamestown has had the unique distinction of being named as “Tree City USA.” During that time, the City has planted 4,888 trees, in part, with the monetary support from the Urban Forestry Fund. Since the fund began, over $7,000 has been donated to the City to continue its work in developing our area as an “urban forest.”
Perhaps the term “urban forest” is an oxymoron. An “urban forest” includes all types of vegetation, but particularly trees, in and around a city or town. Trees are an essential part of the quality of life in a community. They are a living symbol of the wellbeing and vitality of a city. They alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, and conserving water. The stature, strength and endurance of trees give them the potential for a long life and offer a belief in the future. By planting a tree, we demonstrate faith, optimism and commitment to the prospect of our community.
The City of Jamestown celebrates their appreciation for trees with an annual observance of National Arbor Day. Arbor Day was first observed in 1882 as a special day dedicated to tree planting and increasing awareness of the importance of trees. The first Arbor Day was an amazing success. More than one million trees were planted.
In the past, the City commemorated Arbor Day by planting a tree at each of the 10 public schools in Jamestown and by holding a special tree planting celebration with the Transplant Garden Club. Also, the City conducts an official tree planting ceremony at one of the planting sites. This year was no different. The official ceremony was celebrated on April 9th, with a tree planting in front of Jamestown High School.
However, this year’s planting held significant importance. The Jamestown High School Class of 2011 dedicated the tree in memory of an elm tree planted by the Class of 191l. The 1911 tree was christened “Roosevelt Elm” in honor of the presiding United States President Theodore Roosevelt.
It is said, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” The Urban Forestry Fund offers you an easy way to plant a tree now. Donations to the fund are accepted in any amount. A wonderful display in the lobby of City Hall acknowledges contributions at various levels above $30. It provides an opportunity to create a memorial or a way to honor a special person or occasion. Anyone interested in this program can contact the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation at 661-3390 or call the Parks Department at 483-7547.