The Town of Smithtown will host a ceremonial tree planting in St. James, honoring all lost to Covid-19 within the community. The memorial ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 23 at 10am inside the recently renovated Veterans Memorial Park on Moriches Road in St. James.
Residents who lost loved ones or friends to Covid-19 are welcome to attend.
The memorial tree is a four-inch caliper Dawn Redwood, boasting stunning red foliage in the Fall. The tree was selected by the Department of Environment and Waterways Foresters under the direction of David Barnes, who is also a renowned Landscape Architect.
“When we plant a tree, not only are we remembering the past, but we are planting hope for the future,” the Town announced in a press release.
The Covid-19 Memorial Tree was funded through a Tree City USA Reward Grant. In addition to the tree planting, the memorial will include a permanent plaque which was donated by the Town of Smithtown.
The Town of Smithtown has maintained the title of Tree City USA for 35 years and was recently recognized with a “Growth Award” by the Arbor Day Foundation for Street Tree Care. The Town of Smithtown has planted 1,250 trees since 2019, and has been recognized for proactive management of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive species which feeds on specific trees.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Moriches Road, St. James.