from left: Bob Sympson, Laura Cullen, Rob Alvey, Norma Gonsalvez, Richard Anerdos, and Lawrence Ferrandiz planting the serviceberry tree at the Nassau County Executive Bldg for Arbor Day. All photos courtesy Nassau County Tree Advisory Board

Bob Sympson of Nassau County is a volunteer tree planting enthusiast, NYSUFC member, and member of the Region 1 ReLeaf Committee. He prepared opening remarks for the County’s April 26, 2018 Arbor Day observance and tree planting, notably attended by County Executive Laura Curran. 

Sympson’s opening remarks:

“Prior to 2008, the ReLeaf Committee decided to work on an up-to-date tree ordinance, since a minimalist County ordinance was passed way back in 1941. A secondary goal was to complete the requirements for Nassau County to become a Tree City USA community. The tree ordinance was passed by the Nassau County Legislature on October 6, 2008, with 12 votes in favor and 7 against. Included in the ordinance was a provision to establish a tree advisory board.

Ten years passed before former Legislator Norma Gonsalvez and former President of Nassau Cornell Cooperative Extension Nancy Youngfert in December 2017 proposed volunteer members for the tree advisory board and received approval by the then-County executive. Some of the advisory board members are here today.

As chair of the Board I would like to recognize the landscape architect from the Nassau County Department of Public Works, Richard Arnedos, who arranged for the serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) tree planting today.

With this tree planting, our Nassau County Tree Advisory Board and the Region 1 ReLeaf Committee have embarked upon fulfilling the requirements for the County to be recognized as a Tree City USA community.

I want to thank all who have taken time to be here for this important occasion: County legislators, Master Gardeners, tree board members, and staff. At this time, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Nassau County Executive Laura Curran for taking the time to be here and helping to plant this Arbor Day Tree.”

Following Sympson’s opening remarks, County Executive Laura Curran thanked everyone for their commitment to Nassau County’s urban forest. She provided an official Proclamation of the Arbor Day event and then joined in ceremonial planting of the serviceberry tree by a corner of the Executive building.