Fairfield To Commemorate Arbor Day & America 250 With Tree Planting, Time Capsule Burial

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield will celebrate Arbor Day and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a ceremonial tree planting and time capsule burial on Friday, April 24, on the Town Green behind the Fairfield Museum and History Center at 370 Beach Road. The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. and is open to the public.

As part of the town’s America 250 observance, a white oak tree will be planted, referencing the species associated with Connecticut’s historic Charter Oak. Local officials and community leaders are expected to deliver remarks and read an official proclamation.

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"This event is an opportunity to reflect on our history and our future," said First Selectperson Christine Vitale in a statement. "We mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in our 387-year-old Town and our 238-year-old state. This white oak tree promises to stand in this spot for the next two to three centuries, a strong reminder of our nation’s ability to grow, strengthen our roots, be steadfast to the wind of adversity, and keep reaching for the light. Along with the burial of the time capsule, we create a living legacy for the families of Fairfield’s future, honoring both where we’ve been and where we may be going."

Following the ceremony, attendees will participate in the burial of a time capsule scheduled to be opened in 2076. The capsule is intended to preserve materials reflecting the community at the time of the nation’s semiquincentennial.

Town officials said Fairfield has observed Arbor Day with an annual tree planting for 38 consecutive years, maintaining its designation in the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program. The white oak tree was donated by Oliver’s Nursery.

Parking for Friday's event will be available at the museum, Old Town Hall and Sullivan Independence Hall.

Scheduled speakers:

• Christine Vitale, First Selectperson, Town of Fairfield Proclamation
• Michael Jehle, Executive Director/Fairfield Museum and History Center
• Jeff Minder, Tree Warden
• Mary Hogue, Forestry Committee Chair
• Tim Bishop, Conservation Director
• State Senator Tony Hwang
• Ryan Romeo, Student Representative, Fairfield Warde High School
• Anamika Martins, Student Representative, Fairfield Ludlowe High School