A newly planted tree got some extra attention Friday as town officials marked Arbor Month under overcast skies at Sunshine Acres Park in Commack.
Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth, with the help of four students from Commack, Tax Receiver Jillian Guthman and Covanta employees tamped down the earth around the American linden sapling near the front of the park. Elsewhere in the park, members of a Girl Scout troop planted dozens of saplings that included Ninebark, Black Chokeberry, Virginia Rose, Winged Sumac, Witch Hazel, Black Oak, and Red Oak.
“So what’s so important about a tree canopy,” Smyth said. “It provides shade, reduces the need for artificial cooling. It helps filter stormwater runoff and stops contaminants from entering our water supply, which is something that is very important here on Long Island as we do stand above our drinking water aquifer.”