The below event is happening tomorrow at noon: 

 

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REGISTER: tinyurl.com/the-spirit-trees

CXSE BK and Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, with Brooklyn NAACP, Staten Island NAACP, Coalition of Brooklyn Heritage Sites NYC and Jeff Keiter, Landscape Architecture.

“The Spirit Trees of Frederick Douglass Memorial Park”—tree planting, environmental education, grounds beautification and guided tree and historical identification.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 12pm—4pm.

Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, 3201 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY 10306.

 

 

 

Growing a Greener City, Honoring Black History: Fourth Annual City of Forest Day Celebration at Staten Island Landmark

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Tree planting and guided walks connect New Yorkers with the city’s urban forest and Staten Island’s history

 

 

STATEN ISLAND, NY — New Yorkers are invited to care for and learn about the city’s urban forest on Saturday, October 3, when Central x South East Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (CXSE BK) and Frederick Douglass Memorial Park host: “The Spirit Trees of Frederick Douglass Memorial Park” from noon to 4 p.m.

 

 

 

Across all five boroughs, 2026 City of Forest Day events are gaining public support for preserving our urban forest.

 

 

 

In Staten Island, The Spirit Trees of Frederick Douglass Memorial Park event is highlighting how New York City’s sprawling terrascape beyond parks are improving our health, beautifying the environment, combating climate change, and for more.

 

 

 

Get to Know NYC’s Trees—and Help Our Environment

 

 

 

Frederick Douglass Memorial Park’s grounds contain approximately 25 unique tree species. Participants will learn how to identify trees, explore their place in the landscape, and help beautify the area around the historic Chapel House and office.

 

 

 

“Caring for our urban forest starts with getting to know what’s growing around us,” said Rona B. Taylor, Founder and Executive Director of CXSE BK. “We want people to leave with a better understanding of these trees, their unique importance, and the confidence to help care for green spaces in our own communities.”

 

 

 

Brooklyn and Staten Island NAACP are among the plethora of partners joining volunteers for the Saturday afternoon activities—including tree readings, featuring a card deck created by Bronx artist Matthew Lopez.

 

 

 

Environmental Stewardship Rooted in History

 

 

 

Founded in 1935 to challenge segregation in burial practices,

 

Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is New York City’s only existing nonsectarian cemetery established by and for the Black community. New York City designated it as an Individual Landmark in 2024.

 

 

 

The first-of-its kind landscape is surrounded by living and breathing stories of remembrance.

 

Among the trees is an arborvitae planted in place of a headstone until one can be acquired.

 

 

 

“Caring for these sacred grounds helps sustain both our urban forests and the indelible history they hold,” Rona Taylor concluded