McCarren Park

NEW YORKERS ACROSS THE FIVE BOROUGHS “TREE-CYCLE” AT 21st ANNUAL MULCHFEST

Trees collected at MulchFest will nourish parks and gardens across the city

Today, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, joined Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, GreeNYC Director Roya Kazemi and mascot Birdie to kick off the 21st annual MulchFest and encourage New Yorkers to drop by their local park this weekend to recycle their Christmas trees. The two-day operation takes place on January 7th and 8th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 30 chipping sites and 48 drop-off sites in designated parks across all five boroughs.

“MulchFest is one of the many annual events that I look forward to because it’s such an easy way to show our commitment to caring for parks across the city,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “By repurposing Christmas trees we provide plenty of mulch which serves to reinvigorate New York City’s urban forest. I’d like to thank the Department of Sanitation, GreeNYC, our sponsors, and of course the responsible community members who help support our mission to maintain sustainable parks and public spaces throughout the five boroughs.”

A partnership between NYC Parks, Department of Sanitation, GreeNYC, and numerous community organizations, MulchFest provides New Yorkers with a fun and environmentally-friendly opportunity to recycle their holiday trees into woodchips that will nourish tree beds and gardens throughout the city. Participants will receive free tote bags and will be able to take home a free bag of mulch. Last year's MulchFest recycled more than 30,000 trees citywide.

“Recycling gives Christmas trees a life way past Christmas,” said Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia. “The tree in our homes today will be turned into compost to give life to plants in our city’s parks and community gardens. We thank all residents for taking part in the program.”

“Through OneNYC, Mayor Bill de Blasio has set ambitious goals to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Director of GreeNYC Roya Kazemi. “MulchFest provides an easy way for New Yorkers to help achieve those goals by recycling and reusing tens of thousands of trees. GreeNYC, and our mascot Birdie, are proud to support our partners at the Parks and Sanitation Departments with this important event.”

This year, Parks’ stewardship teams will lead volunteer clean-up and tree care workshops at 11 sites across the five boroughs on Saturday. For more information and a list of sites, visit www.nyc.gov/parks and search for "MulchFest.” MulchFest 2017 is sponsored by Whole Foods Market New York City.

The tree mulching demonstration was broadcasted on Periscope as we premiered our first 360-degree live video. Follow along at http://periscope.tv/nycparks or download the app and follow NYCParks on Periscope to participate in live broadcasts.