FoBP hosts MillionTreesNYC

MillionTreesNYC, one of the 127 PlaNYC initiatives, is a citywide, public-private program with an ambitious goal: to plant and care for one million new trees across the City's five boroughs over the next decade. By planting one million trees, New York City can increase its urban forest—our most valuable environmental asset made up of street trees, park trees, and trees on public, private and commercial land—by an astounding 20%, while achieving the many quality-of-life benefits that come with planting trees.

The City of New York will plant 60% of trees in parks and other public spaces. The other 40% will come from private organizations, homeowners, and community organizations. Friends of Brook park is a vital part of this effort.

Today we partnered with the MillionTreesNYC Apprenticeship program, which connects City youth to the numerous “green collar” jobs that are being planned nation-wide. Jobs related to tree planting and care are currently in high demand as a result of MillionTreesNYC, and the Apprenticeship Program aims to provide the skills that youth need to capitalize on well-paying career opportunities. The target population for the program, disconnected youth aged 18-24, has been identified by the Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) as particularly in need of marketable employment skills. The program will include NYCHA residents within the target population for training in jobs that involve the planting, pruning and stewardship of the trees. The MillionTreesNYC Apprenticeship will be administered by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, in conjunction with other City agencies and nonprofit and community partners.

As a local community partner, Friends of Brook park fills a vital need in the overall initiative. Yet, we do not have the millions of dollars in resources that larger, worthy, groups and projects are allocated. Please make a contribution to Friends of Brook Park today so that we can ensure the long term success of tree planting projects.

(Photos by Gustavo Vilchis)