News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

For more information contact: Arturo Garcia-Costas (718) 482-7287 or (917) 664-2334

State and City Partner for Major Landscape Restoration Effort on Staten Island

DEC Commissioner Grannis and Local Elected Officials Join More than 100 Volunteers to Plant 2,500 Trees at the Mt. Loretto Unique Area

STATEN ISLAND, NY (04/12/2008; 1217)(readMedia)-- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York Cares, and MillionTreesNYC partnered in a major landscape restoration effort today at Mount Loretto Unique Area in Staten Island. DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, State Senator Andrew J. Lanza and other local elected officials thanked dozens of volunteers for planting more than 2,500 trees. The officials then took part by the helping to finish the planting efforts.

“I am so grateful to the volunteers for all their hard work today,” said Commissioner Grannis. “They have helped make Mt. Loretto an even more beautiful place, and have created a legacy that New Yorkers will be able to enjoy for generations to come.”

As part of New York Cares’ 14th Annual Hands On New York Day, thousands of volunteers fanned out across the five boroughs to plant 20,000 trees in one day. Against the scenic backdrop of the Mt. Loretto Unique Area, DEC staff and volunteers planted the largest concentration of trees on single parcel of land.

Through this initiative, nearly a dozen tree species were planted on vacant land formerly occupied by the St. Rose’s Villa Girls School and St. Elizabeth Orphanage. As these trees mature, the areas will once again become the wooded landscapes they once were.

“Mount Loretto Unique Area is one of the most stunningly beautiful properties in the city of New York,” said Senator Lanza. “This landscaping initiative will make it even more beautiful and green for the people of Staten Island and New York. I want to thank Commissioner Grannis for this beautification project.”

“These trees will add to the natural beauty of Mt. Loretto and enhance one of Staten Island’s most precious resources,” Congressman Vito Fossella said. “I want to thank the Commissioner, the volunteers and everyone involved in this important initiative.”

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