Trees New York marks 50 years with fundraiser ahead of City of Forest Day

Trees New York celebrated its 50th anniversary with a fundraiser on Manhattan’s Upper East Side as the city prepares for City of Forest Day on Oct. 3, 2026. The event highlighted the nonprofit’s five decades of work to plant, preserve and protect New York City’s urban forest and raise support for future programs.

Why it matters: - Trees New York has spent 50 years building civic support for New York City’s urban forest. - The anniversary comes as the city heads into City of Forest Day on Oct. 3, 2026, adding momentum to tree planting, stewardship and neighborhood greening efforts. - The nonprofit’s work affects street trees, parks, community gardens and other parts of the city’s green infrastructure.

What happened: - Trees New York marked its 50th anniversary with a fundraiser at Festival Cafe NYC on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. - Supporters, environmental advocates, civic leaders and friends attended the event. - The evening celebrated the organization’s past, present and future. - Proceeds supported Trees New York’s programs and its work to strengthen the city’s tree canopy. - A special auction and raffle raised additional funds.

The details: - Trees New York was founded in 1976. - The organization’s programs include Citizen Pruner training, youth environmental literacy, tree plantings, stewardship initiatives and neighborhood greening projects across the five boroughs. - The Citizen Pruner program trains New Yorkers in street tree care. - The fundraiser included an open bar and hors d’oeuvres. - Trees New York’s mission is to plant, preserve and protect New York City’s urban forest through education and community participation. - The organization’s work is designed to empower residents to care for green infrastructure in their own neighborhoods.

Between the lines: - Trees New York is positioning its anniversary as both a milestone and a recruiting moment for the next generation of urban forest stewards. - The organization is tying its fundraising to a broader citywide effort around trees and public green space. - The message is that urban forest work is long-term infrastructure work, not just beautification.

What's next: - Trees New York will take part in City of Forest Day on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, alongside coalition partners at Forest for All NYC. - Forest for All NYC and citywide partners will use the annual day to bring communities together around trees, parks, street plantings, community gardens and woodlands. - Trees New York plans to continue its education, planting and stewardship programs as it enters its next half-century. - The organization says it will keep pushing for a healthier, greener and more resilient city.