News Release – May 1, 2014

Adolescent Offspring of Historic New York City Trees Return Home for Final Planting in Van Cortlandt Park

New York, New York – May 1, 2014 - Nearly six years ago, 11 species of historic trees from throughout New York City, some over 100 years old and environmentally significant, were cloned. Cuttings taken by Bartlett Tree Experts from high up in the tree canopies were shipped in Coleman coolers to Schichtels Nursery Oregon where they were cultivated and cared for. 

Several genetically identical clones of a Crack Willow tree (Salix fragilis), which now average 4 - 6 feet tall, have recently returned to New York City. On May 1st, a planting ceremony will take place near the “mother” tree, in Van Cortlandt Park, with assistance by John Bowne Agricultural High School students.

As part of a tree conservation collaboration between the New York City Parks Department, MillionTreesNYC, The Tree Fund, Bartlett Tree Experts, and Schichtels Nursery Oregon, the ceremony will include remarks from Liam Kavanagh, First Deputy Commissioner, New York Parks, and spokespersons from each participating business and organization. 

The saplings will serve as “ambassadors,” the first of many slated for planting throughout New York City. The ongoing MillionTreesNYC initiative will ensure the preservation and survival of culturally and environmentally significant trees, those that could easily be lost to pests, disease or development. Management for this new generation of Great Trees will be handled by the NY Tree Trust.