Trees New York, the non-profit organization founded in 1976 to plant and preserve trees in communities throughout New York City, planted a twelve-foot tall Red Maple in Mt Olivet Cemetery in Maspeth. The organization had received a contribution from the nearby Maspeth Jewish Center, and in response, Director Nelson Villarrubia offered to have his group plant a tree in Maspeth in its honor.
Mt Olivet, a non-denominational cemetery located just a block from the old synagogue, seemed a perfect spot for it. Maxine Fisher, one of the synagogue’s trustees, put the idea to the Cemetery’s superintendent, Mr. Edward J. Schmitt, who was delighted with the proposed gift tree. “We’ve lost a number of our trees in the past few years due to disease and weather. This is a very welcome addition to our grounds.”
Bright and early one spring morning, a crew from Urban Arborists, led by Hernan, made fast work of placing the young tree in its new home where it will hopefully thrive for years to come. We’re told that we can expect the maple to grow as tall as some of the neighboring trees on the grounds.