State Tree Planted In Clinton

Pierson Elementary students in grades four and five joined the Clinton Tree Committee and three Selectmen, in planting a white oak Friday, May 4, in commemoration of Arbor Day. First Selectman Christine Goupil read a proclamation (in orange blazer) and Tree Warden Kim Syrel (in blue short sleeved shirt) explained the does and don'ts of tree planting.

Tree Committee chair Carol Geiser led students on a walking tour of some of Clinton's most notable downtown trees.

The tree, representing the state tree of Connecticut, was donated by Grove Gardens. Photos by Robert Gauggel.

The Proclamation in full:

Whereas, In 1876, Rev. Birdsey Grant Northrop, as part of the Nation’s Centennial,introduced the concept of Arbor Day to Connecticut’s School Children, and

Whereas, Rev. Northrop died April 27, 1898 in Clinton, where he purchased and planted 5000 trees, and lived the last 8 years of his life, and

Whereas, this holiday is now observed throughout the United States, in the planting of billions of trees, and

Whereas, trees reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife, and

Whereas, through the process of photosynthesis, trees store atmospheric carbon to help mitigate global warming, and

Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products, and

Whereas, trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community, and

Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.

Now, therefore I, Christine Goupil, First Selectman of the town of Clinton, Connecticut, with the cooperation of the Town Tree Committee, do hereby proclaim April 27, 2018 as Arbor Day in the City of Clinton, observed in the planting of a white oak on the front lawn of Town Hall, and

Further, I urge citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and to plant trees; a time honored effort that will gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.

Dated this 27th day of April, 2018

Christine Goupil, First Selectman