On Sunday, April 24, 2022, about 30 volunteers of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation met in Cunningham Park, Queens, NY, to help fulfill the tree planting efforts in NYC. In honor of Earth Day, the group planted close to 500 trees and shrubs. The tree planting event was achieved in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Cunningham Park is one of the largest parks in Queens but has been reduced in size in the last 100 years to accommodate the economic boom and ever-growing Queens.
Harsh Weather That Caused Harm to the Forest
In recent years, the local forestry park has experienced an increase in inclement weather and unwanted seeds. The heavy rains cause the soil to soften, which leads to trees toppling and uprooting. The softened soil causes unwanted and unhealthy seeds to develop into invasive vines that slowly destroy and kill the trees.
“It’s really important for all of us to do our part to keep the forest healthy,” said Jeremy, from the Stewardship Team of NYC Parks. Our goal with forest restoration is to look at what area we can save. It’s cool that we could all be part of that process. It’s really doable and the only way to do it is by having volunteers engage.”
The WeLoveU volunteers planted over 20 species of trees and shrubs, including Sweetgum, Cherry, Serviceberry, Maple, Dogwood, and Oak trees, along with Sumac and Ironwood shrubs to name a few. These native plants were harvested locally.
“I really care about combating climate change,” said Stewardship Team volunteer Kelly. “I became a steward for NYC Parks recently for this particular park, removing non-native and invasive species, so that’s how I learned about this (WeLoveU). Putting native trees and plants back into the ground and really tending to the Earth; it’s just a really good feeling.”
Saving the Earth!
Coming from all over the tri-state area, the volunteers moved from one plot to the next, breaking up each pot of tightly bound soil to allow the roots to spread. The plant must be leveled and immersed slightly below surface level to ensure proper growth. Over time, the roots of the trees and shrubs will branch out from underneath to provide a secure foundation for the trees to grow healthy and tall.
Surprise Visit From…
In just three hours, the group finished planting over 400 local trees and shrubs to help restore the forest! Everyone worked hard as if pruning their own backyards in Cunningham Park. The volunteers’ considerable efforts align to fulfill Global Goals #11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), #15 (Life on Land), and #17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Understanding the hard work needed for today’s event, Assemblyman David Weprin stopped by to provide encouraging words. He applauded the volunteers and cheered them on to continue making great changes to the environment.
“It’s volunteers like you along with the Parks Department that is able to accomplish wonderful things. As you all know, we lost a lot of trees during all the storms that we’ve had and we really need to replace them and I want to thank you all for doing this and it’s terrific! Thank you! And ‘we love you!’” Assemblyman David Weprin
WeLoveU will continue towards a sustainable future of building a cleaner and safer world for all.
17 thoughts on “Volunteers Plant Nearly 500 Trees in Cunningham Park for Earth Day”
Wow. Thanks to weloveu for planting trees on the Earth Day and contributing to a more sustainable future. Volunteers from weloveu are always so amazing and so beautiful!
This is such a good thing to see. I had no idea that planting trees could help with battling climate change. I’m sure many people like myself had no idea. So, it’s great to see that the people who did know are taking action in a positive manner, while still educating us.
I’m familiar with We ❤️ U volunteers. So, it’s always good to see them and read articles about what they are contributing to our society. Keep up the awesome work.
very good example given by the weloveu organization of planting trees 🌲 on a very special day like earth day. thank you for teaching us to take care of our planet 🌍 since it is our home and the trees purify our air and improve our lifestyle
I had the chance to join the event on Sunday and was surprised to hear how many trees were planted in the end — it was a great day together; everyone was united and in a great mood. Thank you WeLoveU – looking forward to the next event 🙂
Great job.
Go WeLoveU volunteers! 👍🏻
It’s inspiring to see such a great group of bright volunteers out on a Sunday morning planting trees to better our community. Thanks so much!
Awesome work everyone!
I’m so grateful I was able to volunteer! It was a great experience and felt like I was making an impact in our community
Thank you WeLoveU for making the Earth and the people who participated happier
I had such a blast! There was a beautiful young lady who also wants to change the world into a better place and on that day she found us! I’m so happy that through the We ❤️ U foundation we can meet other people who have same heart to do good deeds!
Beautiful to see so many smiley faces and it is so great to see young happy people volunteering for the good cause. Keep up the good work.
This event was so much fun! Can’t wait for the next one we love you!
Wow! I love to see young people dedicating so much time to do great work in our communities! Keep up the good work!
Thank you We Love U for hosting such an amazing event and shedding light on how we can create a better environment. I can’t wait to participate in the next event!
It’s so amazing to see a group of people come together and have genuine care for each other and the planet we live in.
I really love this organization who always puts the well-being of the community as a priority and they carry out this amazing work worldwide.
Thank you WeLoveU!
Agreed, WeLoveU is doing such a great job!
What a wonderful way to work in unity to help improve our community! I would love to participate in future tree planting and clean up events! Keep up the amazing work!