“Planting the Future: Tree by Tree” Event Kicks off Fall Tree Planting Initiative in New Rochelle
The City of New Rochelle celebrated its fall tree planting season with the “Planting the Future: Tree by Tree” event on Thursday, November 6, highlighting how expansion of the community forest is central to New Rochelle’s vision for an equitable, resilient, and sustainable future, while reinforcing the City’s commitment to grow its tree canopy, increase shade, and improve air quality across neighborhoods. Attending the tree planting at Flowers City Park (Field 3) were City officials, members and youth leaders from ENRAC (New Rochelle’s Ecology and Natural Resources Advisory Committee), community members, and students in the HOPE afterschool program at Parkside Place.
The planting of two Linden (Tilia species) trees marked the start of New Rochelle’s fall tree planting season, which will add more than 200 trees Citywide. This season represents the City’s first data-driven, equity-centered planting effort guided by its new Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP) and Climate Vulnerability Assessment. Together these tools use local data to guide tree planting where they are needed most.
As a leader in planning for climate resiliency and environmental justice, New Rochelle has committed to planting at least 50% of new trees each year in State-designated Disadvantaged Communities, which is a key action aligning with the goals of New York State’s CLCPA and the City’s GreeNR sustainability plan. The event also marked youth and community engagement in action, with ENRAC Youth representatives and Parkside students helping to put the Plan into practice.
Council Member Sara Kaye said, : “The Tree by Tree kickoff puts our Community Forest Management Plan into action, using data and equity to guide how and where we plant for the greatest impact. By prioritizing neighborhoods most vulnerable to heat and flooding, we’re ensuring that every investment in our urban forest advances both resilience and fairness. I’m especially proud that our ENRAC youth representatives helped lead today’s event, showing that the next generation is ready to carry forward the work of building a greener New Rochelle.”
Noting that collectively, New Rochelle’s over 15,500 inventoried public trees deliver over $4M in environmental benefits each year and represent $70M+ in municipal assets, City Manager Wilfredo Melendez, PE said, “Tree planting has immediate and long-term impact. Every tree we add to our urban forest brings more shade, beauty and resiliency to our streets and parks- while also helping to manage stormwater and support a healthier environment for everyone.”
Every new tree planted will have a sign that includes a QR code linking to the City’s Urban Forestry Community Viewer (https://app.arborprousa.com/viewer/qJMi3R0L4XeVuo2L), containing information on tree location, species, and contribution to the City’s tree canopy.
BACKGROUND:
In the summer of 2024, the City of New Rochelle contracted with ArborPro, Inc. for a complete inventory and assessment of its street trees. What began as a basic project focused on maintenance grew into a bold, long-term vision encompassing planting, management, sustainability, resilience and equity that will benefit generations to come. ArborPro inventoried public trees including almost all City parks, cataloging 15,590 trees at a value of over $70 million. They collected data and completed analysis in coordination with contracted Certified Arborist Consultants and City Staff to develop a comprehensive Community Forest Management Plan which includes proactive tree maintenance, planting strategies, and ongoing environmental stewardship goals that will expand green space and build resilience in our public landscapes. Upon final approval, this long-term management plan will serve as the guiding framework for all future tree care initiatives within the City and will:
• Expand community canopy coverage, with at least 50% of new trees each year to be planted in high-need areas identified by the CFMP and Climate Vulnerability Assessment
• Advance climate resilience and stormwater management
• Promote biodiversity, habitat connectivity and native species
• Support Smart Growth and Sustainable Development
• Foster Community Engagement and Stewardship
• Ensure long-term community forest health and stability.
The City’s goal is to complete all priority maintenance by end of 2026, positioning the City to embrace a sustained cycle maintenance cycle that will further enhance the health of our urban forest while adhering to our budgetary commitments. Metrics tracking plantings, maintenance, and impacts will be regularly reported.