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City of Niagara Falls to kick-off Arbor Week festivities with citywide tree plantings, 'BioBlitz' events

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Tue, Apr 25th 2017 04:20 pm

Mayor Paul A. Dyster will join leaders from the Niagara Falls City School District and the Department of Parks and Public Works to host a weeklong series of events marking Arbor Week and Earth Day in the City of Niagara Falls on Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29.

The city's Arbor Week events will begin with a tree planting at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, in front of Gaskill Preparatory School. Subsequent tree plantings will take place at each city school through May 5. The celebrations will continue with hands-on Arbor Day and Earth Day events at Hyde Park from 9-11 a.m. and 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, April 29, respectively.

Dyster said, "In addition to hosting the city's second annual 'BioBlitz' celebration in recognition of Earth Day, we are thrilled to be able to extend Arbor Day into Arbor Week as we continue to encourage even our youngest residents to help make the City of Niagara Falls a little greener. These exciting, hands-on events promise to provide an exciting, educational experience that allow participants to get their hands dirty, assist our crews in planting city trees, learn more about our diverse environment, and take home a tree of their very own. We hope to see everyone this weekend at Hyde Park!"

Residents are invited to join the Department of Parks and Public Works at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 29, to help pot city trees at the city nursery, located on Robbins Drive behind the ice pavilion. Crews will be on hand to provide demonstrations and instructions to children and their families helping to plant seedlings. Participants will also be provided a complimentary tree to plant in their own yards.

Just down the road at the Hyde Park Golf Course (4343 Porter Road), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents are invited to take part in the city's second annual "BioBlitz." This is a species-counting competition organized by Audubon International to create awareness among golfers and the community about the environmental value of the habitats supported by golf courses. The program is open to any golf course worldwide.

"BioBlitz is a celebration of the animals and plants that grace our golf course, right here in Niagara Falls," said Jon McGinn, Hyde Park Golf Course greenskeeper. "The goal is to document the nature you witness on the day you are out enjoying the golf course. We hope that we are joined by golfers and community members alike, in this offseason time, so that they may see the course from a different perspective."

Residents are invited to take part in tours. Participants are asked to bring a writing utensil, wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring a camera.

Participants also have the opportunity to take part in the planting of two trees (donated by Modern Corporation) along the golf course, and meet with members of the SWEET program to learn more about recycling. USW Local 9434 and Niagara Sports Tournaments Inc. have donated snacks and beverages.

Questions should be directed to the Department of Parks and Public Works at 716-286-4840.

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