Trumbull Celebrates Arbor Day With Tree Planting Ceremony: PHOTOS

TRUMBULL, CT — Town officials celebrated Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony late Friday morning at the Tashua Knolls Recreation Area.

During the event, representatives of Trumbull's Parks and Recreation department and Conservation Commission, as well as the Arbor Day Foundation and state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, gathered together to plant a red oak tree.

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According to Matthew D'Amico, assistant superintendent of Parks and Recreation, the event also marked Trumbull's fourth year of recognition as a "Tree City USA" through the Arbor Day Foundation due to its dedication to community trees.

"We're very proud to be part of this tradition," D'Amico said.

First Selectman Vicki Tesoro noted she was reminded how beautiful Trumbull is while driving to the event from Town Hall.

"At this time of the year, you really just see it," Tesoro said.

Tesoro also read a proclamation declaring April 24, 2026, as National Arbor Day.

"Arbor Day is a special occasion," Tesoro said, "dedicated to the celebration of trees and the vital role they play in sustaining a healthy environment, enhancing the beauty of our communities and supporting the wildlife."

She also noted planting and caring for trees fosters a sense of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment for present and future generations.

"Arbor Day serves as a reminder of the importance of trees," Tesoro said, "and encourages individuals and communities to plant, nurture and celebrate these invaluable natural resources."

Andrea Urbano, a representative for DEEP's Forestry Division, commended the town for maintaining its status as a Tree City.

"This work cannot get done without municipal employees, supportive politicians, and volunteers most of all I would say," Urbano said.

She also acknowledged the Conservation Commission for its efforts, as well as the town for its ability to collaborate effectively and efficiently with its volunteers.

"Today we're planting this oak in acknowledgement of the great benefits that trees provide," Urbano said, "not only to offsetting the impacts of climate change and promoting a resilient landscape, but to also provide a high quality of life for you: clean air, clean water, aesthetics, peace of mind, shade, temperature regulation, all of these things."

Following the ceremony, D'Amico noted the growing attendance of the annual Arbor Day event.

"It's a display of our dedication to the Tree City program and Arbor Day Foundation," D'Amico said, "and that we care about the urban forest and the canopy above us."

He also noted it was good for residents to see municipal workers outside caring about what they do every day.

"The park system in Trumbull is one of the jewels here in town," D'Amico said. "People love coming to our parks. We have several events throughout the year that people enjoy going to, and there's excellent recreation facilities, sports fields and such, also passive recreation opportunities for people in places like Twin Brooks [Park] where people can really just sit back, relax and read a book under a tree."

For D'Amico, Arbor Day is about both enjoying the environment and celebrating all the ways Trumbull Parks and Recreation works to make the town a beautiful place.

"I got into this line of work because I like being outdoors, and I like trees and I like plants," D'Amico said. "I enjoy making the world a beautiful place."