Clarks Green Shade Tree Commission

08/30/2026

Researchers at Cornell have created an interactive map identifying 1.8 million individual trees in New York City, with a new approach that could optimize the placement of trees for cooling in cities around the world.

In the study, researchers identify the types of trees using satellite imagery as well as on-the-ground datasets and 3D data collected with lidar, short for light detection and ranging. The approach was 82% accurate overall and higher for common types of New York City trees.

It's the first “wall-to-wall,” citywide map identifying trees in natural areas and other unsurveyed areas, which together constitute an estimated 65% of the city's canopy and have not been accounted for on previous maps.

The research team will use the map to determine which trees are best for cooling, and the data could inform a host of other planting decisions where the type of tree makes a difference, from reducing allergens to managing invasive pests.

Read more: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2026/08/wall-wall-map-nyc-trees-could-help-cool-cities-worldwide

08/25/2026

🌳 Want a free shade tree?

Clarks Green Shade Tree Commission is taking requests for our next round of tree planting!

If you have a good spot in front of your property and would like a tree planted there, fill out the request form below. We’ll review locations and do our best to accommodate as many as we can. 🌱

📋 Request a tree: https://forms.gle/xUSJQHzNC88Jh1Dd8
📅 Deadline: Falls 2026

05/04/2026

Today we came out to plant the Serviceberries and native perennials (plants that return each growing season) in the Rick Williams Native Plant Garden. We planted the tallest ones on the sunset side and the shortest ones on the sunrise side so each plant will get full sun exposure. Wild Bergamot, Butterfly W**d, and New Jersey Tea were among the 12 different kinds of perennials. The last items on our to-do list is installing the fence and mulching. It's coming together 🌼🌳👩‍🌾👨‍🌾

05/02/2026

04/28/2026

🌿 Thank you to everyone who showed up and got a little muddy with us!

We’re especially grateful to Rick’s friends and family and the volunteers from Temple Hesed for coming out to help plant the first round of wetland plants and install a part of the fence. It was one of those mornings after a day of rain when the air is crisp and humid and the ground saturated like a sponge.

It meant so much to all of us to take a moment to remember Rick and to meet so many people whose lives his kind heart touched. The stories and conversations carried his presence throughout the morning 💚

This first phase focused on the water-loving plants that will anchor the lowest part of the garden and help manage runoff. Next up, we’ll be planting native perennials along the sides and upper areas which will support pollinators and tie the whole space together.

More soon, and thank you again for being part of it 🌱

04/24/2026

🌿 Quick update on our Arbor Day planting

Just a heads up — we moved the planting to SUNDAY April 26 @ 9am since the weather isn't cooperating.

And......the first part of our plant order is here! We’ve got Juncus effusus (Soft Rush), a native, water-loving plant that will go in the lowest part of the garden. It’s great at soaking up and slowing down runoff, and it helps filter out pollutants before water makes its way to our streams.

We’re also really glad to be teaming up with volunteers from Temple Hesed. They’ll be helping us plant and put up a simple fence to protect the area from deer and foot traffic while everything gets established this first year.

Hope to see you there 🌱

04/23/2026

RAIN DATE! Due to rain and cold temperatures we are moving our Arbor Day Celebration in memory of our dear friend and colleague Rick Williams ♥️ to SUNDAY, April 26 @ 9am. Hope to see you there!

04/14/2026

RAIN DATE! Due to rain and cold temperatures we are moving our Arbor Day Celebration in memory of our dear friend and colleague Rick Williams ♥️ to SUNDAY, April 26 @ 9am. Hope to see you there!

This Arbor Day, we’re honoring Rick Williams by planting a native plant rain garden at Hillside Park lower level by the Pavillion.

Rick Williams gave so much of himself to this community and his passion was contagious. He served on Borough Council, the Shade Tree Commission, AAJRB, Rotary, and more, always being there, always helping out, and simply making things better for our community. His care for this place was lifelong and deeply passionate, and it’s something many of us felt.

The spot was chosen intentionally. It’s a natural low point where water flows in from the parking area. Instead of letting that unfiltered runoff move quickly into the lake, this garden will slow it down, let it soak in, and put it to use, supporting plants, pollinators, and healthier soil and water in the lake.

Over time, this will become a small, living system, one that manages water, supports wildlife, and reflects the kind of thoughtful stewardship Rick brought to our community. If you’d like to be part of it, we’ll be planting together on April 25 at 9am. Please share! 🌱🌼🌳