Saplings!

A few weeks ago we shared that Conservancy Secretary Cheryl Moch and Conservancy Treasurer Thomas Winner planted chestnut tree saplings in Walt Whitman Park on the southeast end of the park after the Federal Courthouse. 

Since planting the saplings Tom & Cheryl have been taking turns watering the saplings while they’re getting established. 

Cheryl writes:

Listening to WNYC as I often do to start my day, I heard a discussion about the devastating blight that began in 1904 and destroyed the American chestnut tree—billions of them across the US.  The man on WNYC—Bart Chezar--was discussing attempts to restore the American chestnut.  Developing blight resistant trees has proved challenging but Bart had planted dozens of these trees in Prospect Park and was offering to provide seedlings to anyone listening with a place to plant them. 

I was immediately taken with the idea of planting and nurturing chestnut trees in Cadman Park—I was delighted when Bart provided seedlings, supplemented by others provided by Cadman board member Thomas Winner.  It’s impossible to know if these trees will survive the many challenges ahead including the blight –but as the proverb goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago…the second best time is now! 

Come see our tiny grove in Walt Whitman Park! 

Hear Bart Chezar on WNYC:

https://www.wnyc.org/story/an-effort-to-restore-a-long-lost-tree-to-brooklyn-bears-fruit/