A Golden Anniversary For Trees New York

Trees New York marked a major milestone with a 50th anniversary fundraiser at Festival Cafe NYC on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, bringing together supporters, environmental advocates, civic leaders and friends of the organization for an evening celebrating five decades of work on behalf of New York City’s urban forest.

Founded in 1976, Trees New York has built its legacy around a simple but powerful mission: to plant, preserve and protect the trees that help make the city healthier, more resilient and more livable. Over the years, the nonprofit has become a vital force in urban environmental stewardship, connecting New Yorkers to the green infrastructure that surrounds them every day.

The anniversary event featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a special auction and raffle, with proceeds supporting the organization’s ongoing programs. The evening also offered a chance to reflect on the impact Trees New York has had across the five boroughs through education, volunteer engagement, tree planting, stewardship initiatives and neighborhood greening projects.

“For 50 years, Trees New York has helped New Yorkers understand that trees are not just part of the landscape — they are essential infrastructure, community anchors and living symbols of resilience,” said Nelson Villarrubia, Executive Director of Trees New York. “This anniversary is both a celebration of what has been accomplished and a renewed call to action for the next generation of urban forest stewards.”

One of the organization’s best-known programs is Citizen Pruner, which trains New Yorkers in street tree care and empowers residents to take an active role in caring for trees in their own neighborhoods. In addition, Trees New York supports youth environmental education, tree plantings and community-based stewardship efforts designed to deepen the public’s connection to the city’s natural resources.

The milestone arrives as New York prepares for the return of City of Forest Day on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026. Presented by Forest for All NYC in partnership with citywide organizations, the annual day of activities celebrates the trees, parks, street plantings, community gardens and woodlands that shape the city’s environmental future.

Trees New York will participate alongside its coalition partners, continuing its role as an advocate for a greener and more equitable urban landscape.

As it enters its next half-century, Trees New York remains focused on helping residents understand that the urban forest belongs to everyone. From shaded sidewalks and neighborhood plantings to community gardens and public parks, the city’s trees are part of daily life, public health and long-term climate resilience.

For Trees New York, 50 years is more than an anniversary. It is a reminder that protecting the city’s tree canopy requires education, participation and care from one generation to the next.

For more information, visit treesny.org

Photo Credit: Neha Gautam