Amazing trees surround us, yet we often pass them by, oblivious to all they do and focusing on them only after they’re cut down. The Great & Future Trees project is helping Newburghers walk through our city with a new awareness and new commitment to protecting precious and valuable trees. We are documenting, mapping, and advocating for preservation of Newburgh’s ancient trees while promoting a vibrant culture of urban tree planting and stewardship.

We respectfully request that Awesome Newburgh support our May 1st Great Trees Festival featuring:
- An exhibit of 24” x 8’ Great Trees banners with photos, historical, botanical and cultural notes and engagement with Environmental Justice Fellows who pioneered this work;
- Arborlogues (https://www.ofotheater.com/arborlogues.html) where community members are guided to perform and commune with a tree;
- Great Trees of Newburgh maps;
- Sign up for tree stewardship events and a petition for a comprehensive tree planting plan.

We want this inaugural event to become an annual festival that builds lasting impact through a stronger and more diverse network of residents advocating for citywide tree planting and more people actively protecting our trees. We will create lasting materials for community engagement through an art exhibit, walking tours, and an interactive online map.

Why trees? They are crucial to public health and climate adaptation as they sequester carbon and absorb air pollutants. Ancient trees store more carbon and sustain more biodiversity than young trees and serve as living monuments to human history and culture. Trees inspire awe, shade and calm our streets, support physical and mental health, and beautify our blocks. Trees are also cost-effective parts of our urban infrastructure. As summer heat and rain storms intensify, trees are essential, living systems that absorb and distribute stormwater, reduce burden on underground pipes and water treatment plants, and reduce both cooling and heating bills.