GREENE CO., N.Y. — In a ceremony held in Acra on May 19, members of the Greene Teen Ambassador 4-H Club planted a tree to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Columbia and Greene Counties. They chose to plant an American Chestnut Tree, which had been grown from a seed by fourth grade students, in the Siuslaw Model Forest. The forest is the teaching forest of Cornell Cooperative Extension. The ceremony included the reading of the poem, “I LOVE A TREE” by Samuel N. Baxter. The teens felt the poem exemplified the meaning of trees to themselves and to others in attendance. They focused the poem on Eric Rasmussen who donated the Siuslaw Model Forest to CCE and who is a CCE volunteer who provides much support to the forest and the Agroforestry Resource Center. The poem begins with, “When I pass to my reward. Whatever that may be, I’d like my friends to think of me. As one who loved a tree.”
During the ceremony Marilyn Wyman, Natural Resources Issue Leader, described the research taking place at the Model Forest and Andrew Randazzo, 4-H Natural Environment Educator, explained why the teens chose an American Chestnut Tree to plant. Greene County Administrator, Shaun Groden and County Legislative Representative to the CCE Board of Directors, Eugene Hatton, each shared a few words in support of CCE’s continued impact on the residents of the county. Andrew Turner, NYS 4-H Program Leader, also shared his perspective including his support of environmental education for youth.
The tree planting ceremony was preceded by a celebration of the 10th Anniversary of CCE’s Agroforestry Resource Center which opened in May of 2007.
4-H is the youth development program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. Opportunities are available for youth (in grades K-12) and adults to become involved in community 4-H clubs.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
“Like” us on Facebook…Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. For more information about CCE of Columbia and Greene Counties and its program offerings, visit our website www.ccecolumbiagreene.org or call 518-828-3346.
–Linda Tripp, 4-H Youth Development Issue Leader
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties
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