By BKReader

More than 300 trees and shrubs were planted in Prospect Park on Saturday, part of the annual City of Forest Day initiative.

Over 80 events took place across New York City that celebrated of the urban forest organized in collaboration with the Forest for All Coalition, NYC Parks and Parks and Open Space Partners, according to a press release.

Prospect Park Alliance volunteers helped restore Prospect Park, which has seen the loss of a significant number of ash trees since 2017 due to Emerald Ash Borer, a wood-boring beetle that is deadly to trees.

“New York City’s urban forest, including Prospect Park’s 30,000 trees, is an essential community resource and vital habitat for wildlife,” said Morgan Monaco, president of the Prospect Park Alliance. “In the face of climate change, it is more essential than ever to both celebrate our urban forest and do our part to sustain our hardworking city trees, which improve our air quality, cool our earth, and make our communities happier and healthier.” Events like City of Forest Day underscore the importance of conserving these green spaces, which play a critical role in enhancing air quality, providing shade, and supporting local wildlife.

In addition to planting efforts, the Alliance hosted woodland walks, forest tours and family-friendly nature activities, drawing community members to celebrate and learn more about Brooklyn’s natural spaces.

Original here.