For Immediate Release:
April 30, 2010
County marks Arbor Day with tree plantings
Warm weather makes for great outdoor events in
Sea Girt, Freehold Township and Wall
SEA GIRT, NJ – Monmouth County officially marked Arbor Day with a tree planting at the Sea Girt Elementary School today.
County Freeholder John P. Curley and county Shade Tree Commissioner Kevin Thompson spoke to the students during a sun-drenched ceremony that included presentations by the school's kindergarten, first and second grade students. Curley presented a tree and the county's Arbor Day proclamation to the school.
"Artists and painters have long used the ginkgo leaf for its beauty and aesthetic value," Freeholder John P. Curley said. "It is fitting, then, that Monmouth County donate a ginkgo tree to this school in the Borough of Sea Girt, which is one of the most beautiful municipalities in the county."
At the conclusion of the event, the ginkgo tree was planted by six students and William J. Pentony, who organized the school's first Arbor Day program when he was the school's first principal 40 years ago.
The ginkgo biloba tree is a living fossil and is among the oldest tree species on earth, with a tree in China that is believed to be 3,500 years old. Its longevity is one of the reasons why some people see the ginkgo tree as one of the wonders of the world.
Sea Girt Elementary School's current principal Stephen LaValva gave high praise to second grade teacher Gregory Ryan who is now the school's Arbor Day organizer. Ryan led the students in a crowd-pleasing rendition of the "Gardening Song" complete with kazoo music. The students also read essays about what "A tree is good for…" and "Our giving tree."
Red bud tree seedlings were given to the students who were encouraged to take the trees home, plant them and help with community forestation.
Later in the day, the county Shade Tree Commission also provided an October Glory Maple tree for planting at the Joseph J. Catena School in Freehold Township. Thomas Ritchie, chairman of the county Shade Tree Commission presented a proclamation to the school during the planting ceremony.
Finally, the county Park System planted a red oak, the state tree of New Jersey, at Shark River Park in Wall Township. Park System staff also demonstrated proper tree planting methods and maintenance to those in attendance. This Arbor Day event was part of the Park System's 50th anniversary celebration being held throughout 2010.
Each year the county holds Arbor Day celebrations that include tree plantings as part of its community forestry program. The county Shade Tree Commission is responsible for overseeing care and maintenance of the county's many trees. Monmouth County actively participates in the Tree City USA program that is sponsored by The National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
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