COPYRIGHT 2018 CAROLE OSTERINK
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Bitter Irony
Earlier this week, a flyer arrived in the mail from the Galvan Foundation, announcing its free tree planting initiative.
The homeowners of Hudson are being invited to "ENJOY THE BEAUTY & WISDOM OF A TREE!" by the foundation whose modus operandi is to fell all the trees on the property it acquires.
The irony is breathtaking
COPYRIGHT 2018 CAROLE OSTERINK
COPYRIGHT 2018 CAROLE OSTERINK
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Having seen the list of available species, the range is impressive. Unfortunately customers aren't alerted to a distinction between native and alien species.
ReplyDeleteThe City's CAC (Conservation Advisory Council) previously signaled its interest in promoting native species, but if there was any coordination with Galvan on this then it's not obvious. For example, why in the world is Ginkgo on the list, which is only wild in China?
Did the CAC make its former preferences known to Galvan only to be rejected, or did the CAC drop the ball on this issue, too, as with so many others?
unheimlich, could you post the list of available species?
DeletePewtetra, I would if I could, but I only saw my neighbor's copy which she'd requested from Galvan.
DeleteGingkos are not native, but very much favored in urban settings. they are the oldest of trees, and very resistant to pollution and almost anything else.
Deletethey line St. Lukes Place in Greenwich Village and give a slightly oriental feel to an otherwise classic greek revival streetscape.
For hudson, they are perfect, and sculptural.
Gingkos do indeed do very well in urban settings. Their seeds/fruit/droppings/whatever also smell extraordinarily like vomit. There were (maybe still are) many in and around Washington Square Park and every year the smell was pungent.
DeleteRick Scalera submitted this comment:
ReplyDeleteOver the past several years I was part of a team that had the pleasure of delivering free trees throughout the city (should a property owner want one) all through the generosity of the Galvan Foundation. This program continues to be a successful partnership with the City of Hudson and Pondside Nursery . Since the beginning over 200 trees have been planted and more on the way simply to be enjoyed by residents and property owners for years to come.
The only “ bitter irony “ I see is Gossips continued obsession of a handful of overgrown, deeply rooted trees that were removed by Galvan for the safety and betterment of their property. Fair reporting is not that hard.
That's a lot of trees planted, which only emphasizes the importance of aligning everyone's interests.
DeleteThe whole look of the city may one day reflect Galvan's aesthetic preferences today, and that would be a bitter post-script indeed.
Which only begs the question, did the otherwise tree-preoccupied CAC reach out to Galvan with its recommendations? Did Mr. Scalera make contact with the CAC? If yes, then I doubt that Ginkgo would be among the list of offerings.
For that matter, perhaps Mr. Scalera can explain why Eastern Redbuds are not on offer though the already ubiquitous and messy Honey Locusts from the Mississippi valley are? (Redbud wouldn't be my choice, but my neighbor had her heart set on getting one.)
This is not news worthy.
ReplyDeleteGo make your own blog.
DeleteTim: I like your new ...less is more... style. I was beginning to think it was Caorl's.
DeleteAnyone wanting a redbud tree should just call me. Redbuds come up all over my property and I have given many little sprouts away, only to see them flourish in their new locations. Please contact me. I can furnish a shovel and a small pot for transporting the tree to its new location. This is the Thurston Redbud Project! (Not recommended as a street/curbside tree.)
ReplyDeleteEllen you a very kind to share your redbud seedlings, yet another way you are such a great resource for the City of Hudson, kudos to you.
DeleteBut I do want to point out that redbuds are a great selection for being a street tree: they do well in all different kind of soil conditions including those found in the urban streets of Hudson. They are also especially good under power lines as their branches rarely get to the heights of the overhead lines and are recommended by National Grid for this very purpose, as do many cities from NYC to LA to smaller cities such as Schenectady and Rome, NY.
Tim Legg
"Overgrown, deeply rooted trees" = mature and beautiful. 99% of the time, there was no good reason to remove the trees that were felled. As usual, Galvan is trying to buy goodwill, to reverse the negative (and justly deserved) publicity. I'm not buying it.
ReplyDeleteagreed wholeheartedly
Delete