Wassaic tree replaced with native bur oak

Some of the local volunteers who planted a native tree on Arbor Day, Friday, April 25, gathered around the tree for a photo to mark the occasion. Left to right are Ana Hajdak, Maryanne Pitts, Christy Gast, Leo Blackman, Ken Monteiro, and Vicky Doyle.

Photo by Leila Hawken

Wassaic tree replaced with native bur oak

WASSAIC — Local tree enthusiasts assembled in Wassaic village center to plant a young tree at the entrance to the rail trail in observance of Arbor Day.

The event on Friday, April 25 was co-sponsored by the Amenia Conservation Advisory Council and the Amenia Town Enhancement Committee.

Volunteers were attracted to help with the project led by Maryanne Pitts, CAC member. Some set to work to accomplish the task, others advised, and still others photographed the progress.

Bringing a wheelbarrow to the session was Wassaic resident Edwin Erreyes who saw the group of volunteers and wanted to help.
The new tree, a bur oak donated by the Amenia Garden Club, replaced a non-native dogwood that had failed to thrive at the location.

Garden Club president Ken Monteiro noted that the bur oak, native to eastern North America, produces acorns, each sporting a tiny burr.

“Oaks are a key help to native species, including their tendency to host insect larvae that feed birds,” Pitts said before the work began. “Birds need to feed their young the caterpillars because very young birds do not eat seeds,” she added. “They need protein.”
Pitts said that the interval between the egg and the fledgling is only two weeks in duration.

“So, it is critical that they have native trees and shrubs available to them,” Pitts said, adding that she is a supporter of the Homegrown National Park program.

“The gardens of today are the natural world,” Pitts commented. “Everything else is choked with invasives.”

As Pitts is working toward earning a designation of being a “Tree City,” she said that 2025 is the first step in what will be an annual event.

“We’ll do it every year,” she said.

Latest News

Grateful on Memorial Day

Patriotism — Webster defines patriots as those who love and support their country. It’s that and so much more. Patriots, many who have served this nation in our military, continue to defend our freedoms and our Constitution as our forefathers intended.

Unarmed they fight against injustice, tyranny, corruption, political weaponization and collusion with foreign enemies for personal gain. They get their daily news through experience having learned to shun most mainstream and social media. Their home to go secret weapon readily employed (their remote control). They listen to differences ofopinion if possible rather than becoming outraged and indignant, take responsibility for their actions and admit mistakes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Irondale Schoolhouse rings bell on 11th season; ice-cream social June 8

One of many photos on exhibit at the Irondale Schoolhouse, this one showing a horse-drawn school bus in North East dating to 1912.

Photo provided

MILLERTON — The Irondale Schoolhouse rang the bell on its 11th season on Saturday, May 24, once again showcasing what schooling was like in the mid-19th century in North East.

Visitors sifted in during the morning to see the exhibit, a joint effort of the Friends of North East Hisotorical Society and the Friends of the Irondale Schoolhouse.

Keep ReadingShow less
A new season and a new director at The Sharon Playhouse

Savannah Stevenson and Sharon Playhouse Youth Ensemble from Sharon Playhouse Gala 2024

Aly Morrissey

The Sharon Playhouse is welcoming a new Managing Director for its 2025 season. Meghan Flanagan has taken the mantle from Rodney Christensen. This change went into effect on May 21, right before the Playhouse starts off its season with the 2025 Annual Spotlight Gala.

Meghan Flanagan stepped into the role of managing director officially on May 21, 2025, replacing Rodney Christensen after two and a half years. Flanagan was previously a board member and treasurer of the Sharon Playhouse from 2021 to 2024. She has been an active member of the Sharon community since moving there in 2004, having held positions on the Sharon Connect Task force and Equus Effect. She currently also serves as a board member of the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon.

Keep ReadingShow less