Marty Lenahan and Lee Geradi planting an Elm tree on Tanners Pond Road. In December 2006, the Garden City Bird Sanctuary received notice of a grant award from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for a Community Tree Planting and Urban Forestry project at the community nature preserve on Tanners Pond Road. This 2 year project was completed with the final planting of new "street trees" on Tanners Pond Road, thanks to last minute community service volunteer help. Three new Elm trees and 2 new Tulip trees have been planted along the wide grass area between the Bird Sanctuary fence and curb. The Bird Sanctuary was inspected by NYS Forester Debra Gorka on Wednesday March 25, accompanied by Director Matt Fay.

The grant provisions required a 50-50 match between NYSDEC and the GC Bird Sanctuary for a limit of $7,500 in NYS funding. Overall expenses for the project were $18,400, and included the removal of many dead and diseased trees at the site, stump grinding, soil preparation, signage, and the planting of newly 50 new trees and shrubs in portions of the site. Some funding for the Elm trees was also provided by Frank McDonough. Harder Trees, Stumps Only, Presidential Tree Services, the Central and Western Property Owners Associations, Cipriano Nursery and a variety local residents also contributed to the project.

Andrew Nanayakkara, Lee Gerardi, and Caitlin Lenahan muchling an Elm tree. Most importantly, the project was a success due to volunteer community service. Rob Alvey and the Directors coordinated efforts of numerous volunteers from the community, schools, and organizations to provide the necessary labor to complete the project. According to Alvey, founder of the GC Bird Sanctuary the volunteer community service approach was the secret to the success of this innovative project. "The NYSDEC grant provides a $7 per hour credit for unskilled, general labor. Every hour contributed in volunteer community service is documented under the grant. Over 500 community service hours were accounted for under this project alone, and the $4,000 value of this labor helped us exceed the required 50-50 match." Alvey's presentations to community groups note the 7000 volunteers that have been at the site over the last decade.

Anna Brocco and Caitlin Lenahan digging a hole for a Tulip tree at the GC Bird Sanctuary. Earlier this month, the Elm and Tulip trees arrived earlier than expected, and a series of e-mails and telephone calls went out to get volunteers. On Sunday March 15, Rob Alvey was joined by Anna Brocco, Lee Gerardi, Caitlin and Marty Lenahan, and Andrew Nanyakkara and within a few hours the new street trees were dug in, mulched, and watered.

With Earth Day coming up, the GC Bird Sanctuary is coordinated a Community Clean-up weekend for Saturday April 25 and Sunday April 26. A vegetable garden in to be planted and there are a variety of raking, pruning, and litter pick up activities that need to be done. To volunteer, call 326-1720 or e-mail: gcbirdsanctuary@gmail.com There plenty for you to help on!