Freeville Set for Annual Tree-Planting Event

Tom Cavataio looked back at the trees that have been planted in the village of Freeville over the past few years.

Cavataio, a village resident who is also the project leader and committee coordinator of the area’s annual tree-planting event, said that 14 trees were planted in 2018, the program’s first year.

The plan is to plant nine trees this year. Cavataio said that will make it 52 trees planted since the program started.

“It is spurred on by a few people who have been working in this program ever since its inception,” Cavataio said.

The sixth annual tree-planting event is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Volunteers will meet in front of Freeville Elementary School at 43 Main St.

The tradition of planting trees began in 2018 when city of Ithaca Forester Jeanne Grace came before the village planning board to talk about an Arbor Day grant program through the New York State Urban Forestry Council. The council works in partnership with the Department of Environmental Conservation to promote the planting of trees and other vegetation within communities.

That’s when Cavataio decided to take on the event, due to a lifelong interest in planting trees. In 2018, Freeville was one of about 10 municipalities within the state that was awarded the $1,000 grant.

“I planted trees often, and all my life because trees and the planting thereof is something that has value to me, and it [has value]to all of us, whether you choose to see it or not,” Cavataio said in the past. “I seemed like a likely candidate to take it on, and being something that is of real value and a real interest to me, I guess it makes sense that I would say yes, so I did.”

Now, the village puts aside $500 for the program. Cavataio said village residents have been pleased enough with the program to contribute some funding as well. This allows the tree committee to get more trees.

“I’m very delighted to get that funding every year,” Cavataio said.

Cavataio said that the tree committee typically gets the trees from a wholesale nursery in western New York, but tries to buy locally from The Plantsmen Nursery in Tompkins County.

Planting the trees, Cavataio said, has become more of a challenge every year. Whether it’s overhead utility lines, strict requirements from the state Department of Transportation or natural gas lines in village residents’ front yards, the program has faced some obstacles.

In past years, the planting areas were focused in and around Main Street and Railroad Street.

But, Cavataio said, “We’re still able to find [the spaces]. I think we’ll be able to find them for a long time to come.”

The village’s tree committee has been able to work through potential roadblocks in their program, while emphasizing the importance of planting trees in the area.

“It’s like a lot of things in life. … It may not be exciting, and it may not get a lot of praise from a variety of sources, but to me it’s very important,” Cavataio said. “Trees need to be planted for aesthetic and environmental reasons. They add a great deal to a community, whether it’s something you notice or not.”

Cavataio is hoping people can support the program on Nov. 11 by bringing their shovels. The public is invited to attend.

“It’s a well-established program in the village now,” Cavataio said. “I like to think of it as a really nice community event. We always have enough people to make it happen.”

People interested in volunteering at the annual tree-planting program are encouraged to dress warmly and bring gloves. The rain/snow date for the program is Sunday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.

For information or questions, contact Cavataio at 607-844-9827 or tcavataio@cdassembly.com.

Dryden Dispatch appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Holiday wreath fundraiser to benefit Dryden school trip

The Dryden Central School District is holding a holiday wreath fundraiser to benefit a Class of 2028 trip to Hershey Park.

The 22-inch wreaths will come from Hunts Tree Farm in Trumansburg. Wreaths will be distributed Nov. 27.

The cost for a wreath is $25. Checks can be made payable to the Class of 2028.

To purchase a wreath or request further information, email Lori Smith at lsmith1@dryden.k12.ny.us.

Books & Brew meets Nov. 30

Books & Brew, a local book club for adults, will meet Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at Hopshire Farm and Brewery in the village of Freeville.

The theme for November is prize-winning books. Individuals are encouraged to read a book that received an award.

Suggestions for books are on display at the Southworth Library at 24 W. Main St. in the village of Dryden.