About Those Missing Trees

Gossips has mentioned more than once the two Bradford pear trees in Thurston Park that died and have not been replaced. It turns out that this past weekend, for the Hudson Music Fest, the missing trees were a good thing--or at least one of them was. The break in the park's allée was just wide enough to pitch the tent required to make the park a music venue. But other arrangements will have to be made next year, because the trees are coming back.

First Ward alderman Sarah Sterling, who with Third Ward alderman Ellen Thurston took the initiative on this project, has confirmed that new trees will be planted this fall. Ben Eaton of the Secret Gardener will plant the trees and look after them during the critical first year to ensure that they have the best chance for survival. Sterling reports that the new trees will be as mature as possible so there won't be a dramatic difference in size between the new trees and the original trees.

The project is being funded with money left over in the coffers of the now defunct Hudson Beautification Committee, and the trees will be dedicated to the memory of Fran and Vinnie DeGrazia, who were active members of the Beautification Committee.

Sterling also told Gossips that she had started a fund at HDC (Hudson Development Corporation) for small beautification projects like this.