Happy Arbor Day

Trees give us runners so much every day, including oxygen, shade, and a sense of tranquility. On Saturday, April 18, New Haven Road Runners celebrated our local trees by participating in the second annual Tree Run. The group run was co-hosted with the New Haven Parks Department, the Urban Resources Initiative and Ward 9 Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith. Runners from NHRR and the greater community gathered in Wooster Square Park for a 10k loop. Miche Palmer (NHRR and URI), Annie Mixsell (Parks Department), and Caroline Tanbee Smith introduced the run, speaking about the importance of trees and encouraging everyone to get involved locally. Other unexpected stars appeared also - two Lorax!

Along the way, the group stopped to admire and cheer for some of the state champions and notable trees (from the CT Notable Trees Project) and saw a URI tree planting in action. The run included some special guests: Parks Director Max Webster spoke about planting resilient trees, Anna Pickett of URI highlighted the history of trees on The Green, and runners were greeted by a finalist in New Haven's "Dear Tree With Love" contest and a leader for the Friends of East Rock Park greenspace group. The group finished back at the start, running under the canopy of the flowering cherry trees in Wooster Square. After the run, some headed over to local favorites, Kaiden's Coffee for refreshments.

The morning was a tree-mendous amount of fun. We hope to do it again next year! In the meantime, adopt a tree through URI, join in on a volunteer day with Parks, and be sure to celebrate trees every day!