Contributing Writer: Kristopher Williams, Invasive Species Coordinator, Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management
The Village of Ballston Spa Park and Tree Board sponsored an informative and fun Arbor Day Tree Planting and Maintenance Demonstration at Kelly Park on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Two American sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) donated by the Cornell Master Forest Owner Volunteer Program were planted alongside last year’s Arbor Day sycamore to create a small grove for park users to enjoy. The parent tree of the sycamore planted in 2023 was grown from a seed originally taken into orbit around the Moon by Apollo 14 in 1971.
The proper method for planting a tree was outlined in detail along with tree training and maintenance practices. Additional topics explored included the right tree in the right place and the benefits of trees and their place in urban and community forests. Seedlings for community members and the Friends of the Kayaderosseras were provided. Species included Red Osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) and pussy willow (Salix discolor) for riparian plantings. The seedlings were purchased at the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery.
