161110 Tree Planting

James Neiss/staff photographer
Niagara Falls, NY - David Hedgepeth, 8 gets help from Mayor Paul Dyster planting a tree in front of his 25th Street home. Young Hedgepeth started the tree from a helicopter seed in 2014 and is almost 4 feet tall. The mayor presented David with a key to the city and a proclamation for his efforts.


Press Release:


ADVISORY: With One Seed 8-Year-Old Helps Kick Off City’s In-House Tree Planting Initiative


David Hedgepeth to Plant Maple Tree He Grew From a “Helicopter” Seed
Niagara Falls, N.Y. - Eight year-old David Hedgepeth will join Mayor Paul A. Dyster and Niagara Falls City officials to help kick off the city’s in-house tree planting initiative Thursday, November 10 at 3:30 p.m. A third grader in the Abate Elementary School Enrichment Program and a lover of nature, Hedgepeth will plant a Maple Tree in front of his home that he first grew from a seedling in the summer of 2014. His thoughtful gesture coincides with the Department of Public Works in-house tree planting initiative which includes the purchase and planting of 170 trees as it works to combat the devastating impact of the Emerald Ash Borer on nearly 1,000 city trees.


David and city officials will gather in front of 416 25th Street for the tree planting, at which time Mayor Dyster will honor David with a proclamation for his efforts.