The Tree Council recently received a Schenectady Council Soil and Water grant to plant four trees at two bus stops on Hillside Avenue. As the trees mature, they will provide cooler, more comfortable waiting areas for residents who use public transportation.
Why do we need to shade our stops?
Public bus stops are part of Niskayuna’s infrastructure network. Asphalt roads trap summer heat and create local heat islands.
This increases the vulnerability of people waiting in the sun. By planting trees at these transit stops, the ground temperature is lowered, neighborhood air becomes cleaner, and a cooler, safer wait for is provided for commuters. Over time, the dense canopies these trees will form can eventually reduce local ambient temperatures by up to 10°F.
The Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) was specifically selected for this project because of its extreme urban toughness, road-salt resistance, and ability to handle Niskayuna winters. It is an important tree for wildlife as it is a pollen producer, nectar producer, and provides food for wintering birds, breeding birds, spring and fall migrant birds, and caterpillars.
We need your help to start what we hope is the beginning of an ongoing project to increase Niskayuna’s green infrastructure. Volunteers are necessary to help the Tree Council get the trees in the ground and periodically care for them by watering and checking in to make sure they are surviving. We expect the trees will be delivered in early November and need to get them in the ground quickly. We anticipate this will require a several hours on a weekend morning. Click the link and sign up to help make Nisky even better than it is.
Volunteers Needed: Shade our Stops
- Help plant the four trees in late October/early November.
- Serve as a tree steward by watering and caring for the trees periodically.
- Show Niskayuna cares for its residents.
Sign Up to volunteer below. We’ll contact you once we’re notified that the trees are ready for delivery.