New York Power Authority Donates 34 Trees for Johnson Park and McCarthy Park in Buffalo

For Immediate Release:11/05/24

Media Relations Contact: [email protected]

Tree Power Program Contact: [email protected]

New York Power Authority Donates 34 Trees for Johnson Park and

McCarthy Park in Buffalo

Twelve Trees Planted in Johnson Park Replace Trees Damaged by

August 5 Tornado

Photos of New Trees Here

WHITE PLAINS-The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced that it donated 34 trees for City of Buffalo parks to increase tree canopy and help replace trees damaged by an EF-1 tornado on August 5. The trees, donated under NYPA's Tree Power program in partnership with Re-Tree WNY and the Tool Library will increase native biodiversity and natural carbon storage. Twenty-two trees were planted at McCarthy Park and 12 trees were planted in Johnson Park.

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said,"Through the Tree Power program, NYPA is planting trees and supporting environmental stewardship in communities across New York. This year, our state suffered more tornados than ever before. The 34 trees planted in Buffalo's McCarthy and Johnson Parks will improve parkland and are a symbol of our commitment to a cleaner, greener future for New York State residents."

City of Buffalo Acting Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, "I am grateful for the New York Power Authority's generous efforts in planting 34 new trees in the City of Buffalo following the damage caused by the tornado that touched down on August 5. As we work together, these trees will serve as a reminder of our commitment to environmental stewardship and the importance of nurturing our urban ecosystem."

Chairman of Re-Tree WNY Paul Maurer said, "The unprecedented damaging tornado that touched down in Buffalo gave Western New Yorkers a rare sight and it wasn't pretty! We are again witnessing the power of what climate change has been unleashing on our tree canopy which we saw 18 years ago with the surprise October 2006 snowstorm. We at Re-Tree are grateful that NYPA pitched in to help us by donating trees for our volunteers to plant in Johnson Park. This historic park in Buffalo got hit by the tornado and we now can do our part to start to heal the damage. Thank you NYPA and Re-Tree volunteers!"

Executive Director of The Tool Library Darren Cotton said, "Tree planting for us has become a way to meet our neighbors, to work together towards common solutions, and to collectively improve the spaces we share. That wouldn't be possible without the support of NYPA's Tree Power program and the help of countless volunteers."

Under the Tree Power program, NYPA provides native trees to customers throughout the state. This year, for every tree that a customer purchased, NYPA offered tree-matches up to $5,000 in value. More than 1,400 trees were planted in 50 communities throughout the state in 2024. Nearly half of those trees were planted in disadvantaged communities.

The Tree Power program promotes natural carbon storage, climate resilience and biodiversity. The Power Authority's Sustainability department carefully selects native tree varieties for the program that benefits regional insects, birds and mammals. Customers work with NYPA-selected vendors to identify the species that are best suited for their planting zones. Since 2016, more than 8,000 trees have been planted under the program, sequestering more than 400 metric tons of carbon emissions. The Tree Power program also supports Governor Hochul's goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033, as outlined in her 2024 State of the State address.

Customers eligible to participate in NYPA's Tree Power program include municipal electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and state and local government customers, including the State University of New York and the City University of New York.

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About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.govand follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblrand LinkedIn.

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