Tree Talk: Have You Been To Governors Island?

Working as an arborist is usually an interesting job, but some places we go have special appeal. It’s not often that we get to take a ferry to work, but the New York City park on Governors Island offers us an unusual commute, along with the opportunity to see outstanding views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Nestled between Brooklyn and the southern tip of Manhattan, Governors Island doesn’t feel like part of a metropolis. It is the last large piece of land in New York City not connected to the mainland by roads. What began as a military outpost has now become an exciting public space, a “Playground for the Arts.”

The strategic location of Governors Island made it an important point of defense for both the British and the Americans for over 200 years. In the early 20th century, landfill from the Lexington Avenue subway more than doubled the size of the island to 172 acres. In the 1960’s, it became a Coast Guard base complete with houses and schools for 3,500 residents. In the 1990’s the island, excluding 20 acres which became a National Monument, was sold for a nominal amount to New York City, with restrictions prohibiting permanent housing or casinos. 

Today the island is characterized by wide sweeps of lawn and stately trees. It hosts a public high school and an artists’ studio program. From May to September, the calendar is filled with public events that hundreds of thousands of people enjoy, set in the beautiful parkland of the island.

Almstead’s role at Governors Island is in tree evaluation, inoculating the elms against Dutch elm disease, and pruning. It’s wonderful to be involved in maintaining this beautiful refuge in the heart of NYC. Today a Master Plan for Governors Island is being implemented that will continue to enhance the beauty and accessibility of this island. The old buildings are actually being replaced with parkland. Here’s the video of the implosion of the last building earlier this week. 

You can go to Governors Island for a picnic or attend a cultural or recreational event. You can reach the Island by ferry from Manhattan or Brooklyn. Bring your bike, but not your pet. There are events happening every weekend through September. You can enjoy installation art, learn the history of maritime disasters in New York harbor, or see a vintage baseball game.