Wendy Werner
CherryRoad Media
A collaborative effort among four Syracuse organizations has led to the planting of 34 trees.
Syracuse Parks and Rec Director, Sonni Graves, was researching how the City of Syracuse could get a Tree City USA designation while the idea of a Class Tree Project was being explored by the Syracuse PTO.
PTO President, Brandi Brinkman presented the idea to Rachel Hrabik, Marketing Director, Arbor Day Farms, and Jessica Meyer, Syracuse City Administrator. Once the four of them had a solid plan that included education and memorial pieces, they proposed the idea to the school principals and got approval.
Hrabik and Mark Canney, Arborist with Arbor Day Farms, presented the educational component to kindergarten through 12th graders that concluded with each class voting for which tree to plant. The classes voted as follows: Kindergarten/Class of 2037: Eastern Redbud; 1st Grade/Class of 2036: Tuliptree; 2nd Grade/Class of 2035- Prairifire Crabapple; 3rd Grade/Class of 2034- Tuliptree; 4th Grade/Class of 2033: Prairie Fire Crabapple; 5th Grade/Class of 2032: Prairie Fire Crabapple; 6th Grade/Class of 2031: Sycamore; 7th Grade/Class of 2030: October Glory Maple; 8th Grade/Class of 2029: American Linden; 9th Grade/Class of 2028- State Street Maple; 10th Grade/Class of 2027- Sugar Maple; 11th Grade/Class of 2026- Sycamore; and 12th Grade/Class of 2025- State Street Maple.
Graves said the project was special and came together in a unique way. She explained the catalyst for wanting Syracuse to become a Tree City USA, “I believe trees are vital to building a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable place to live. Trees improve our quality of life by cleaning the air, cooling our streets, reducing stormwater runoff, and creating beautiful spaces where people want to gather. Living just 17 miles from Nebraska City — the home of Arbor Day and a symbol of America’s commitment to tree planting — we are uniquely positioned to honor that legacy and lead by example.” She concluded, “Becoming a Tree City USA would show that we value stewardship, civic pride, and the natural environment that supports our community’s well-being now and for future generations. It’s more than a recognition — it’s a reflection of who we are and the future we want to grow.”
The 34 trees were planted during the week of April 21st. Nine of the class trees were planted at Williams Park, four class trees were planted at the Middle School and the remaining trees were planted around the city. The trees, purchased from Mulhall’s were paid for by the PTO and city. Volunteers and city staff planted the trees. Each tree will get a plaque. Graves credited Brinkman for helping get the project to the finish line and specifically her help planting trees. She also credited the city staff for being fully committed to what they were trying to achieve and for their dedication and teamwork.
To fulfill the requirements of being a Tree City USA, the Syracuse City Council passed a proclamation at their April 19th meeting. Arbor Day was celebrated on April 25, 2025 where students were read the proclamation and learned about and visited their class tree.
Meyer said, “This project was successful due to the significant collaboration between multiple organizations (PTO, SDA Public Schools, Arbor Day Farm and the City of Syracuse). It was a rewarding experience to see the initial idea come to fruition and benefit our community in a significant way. City staff enjoyed being part of the process and the opportunity to educate students on the importance of trees.”
