As part of MillionTreesNYC, a joint initiative between the City and the New York Restoration  Project to plant and care for one million trees throughout the five boroughs by 2017, Parks’ Natural Resources Group (NRG) Forestry Crew Member Jose Baez led and trained Parks GreenApple Corps and Parks Opportunity Program (POP) horticulture participants to restore a valley in Highbridge Park on Monday, November 24, at a new grant site funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  The group performed important forest restoration work included tree planting, erosion control, and invasive species removal.

A total of 111 trees were planted on one side of the valley.  Erosion control was performed in the middle of the valley by installing biodegradable logs which are flexible and retain more water than a natural tree log and can therefore better control erosion.  Invasive species, which are primary threat because they out compete and replace native vegetation, were removed.  Parks plans to continue forest restoration work at the site next spring.

The restoration project brought together three different divisions within Parks: NRG, GreenApple Corps, and POP.  NRG’s primary mission is to conserve New York City's natural resources for the benefit of ecosystem and public health through acquisition, management, restoration, and advocacy using a scientifically supported and sustainable research.  GreenApple Corps is a nine month public service training program which teaches technical skills, practical knowledge, and personal development through environmental field work.  The Parks Opportunity Program is one of the nation’s largest transitional employment programs–with approximately 3,000 trainees working in New York City’s parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers.  In preparation for private sector careers, POP participants gain transferable skills in fields such as security, horticulture, administration, maintenance, and customer service while receiving employment services and career counseling.

MillionTreesNYC is a component of Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative to create a sustainable New York City.  Through education and volunteer opportunities, MillionTreesNYC is engaging all New Yorkers to plant, protect, and care for trees in the City’s urban forest.  Since the MillionTreesNYC initiative was launched in October 2007, 137,339 trees have been planted.  For more information, visit www.milliontreesnyc.org.