Brooklyn is laden with industrial areas, where people sometimes dump garbage, vandalize and leave waste. Trees have a difficult time maturing in this type of environment. Mature trees are essential to absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen and stabilizing soil. Unfortunately, funding for community service to preserve the trees has been reduced. The members of the World Mission Society Church of God were ready early Sunday morning, March 30, 2017, and took the initiative to arrange a tree stewardship volunteer activity in preparation of the rebirth of spring. With rakes, shovels, cedar mulch and smiles, everyone set out to care for a tree.
The Wall Street branch of the Church of God joined with Trees New York, a non-profit organization that plants and cares for street trees throughout New York City. About 30 volunteers met with Executive Director Nelson Villarrubia and Operation Manager and Educator Ashleigh Pettus. The representatives from Trees New York guided the volunteers and taught them the proper way to ensure the growth of newly planted street trees.
The volunteers divided into teams of four to efficiently work in unity and care for each tree. The day commenced with clearing trash and weeds from the tree beds. Next, they cultivated the soil to open the way for fresh water to reach tree roots. Lastly, volunteers laid cedar mulch in the beds to prevent new weeds from growing. The mulch also added a uniform and colorful finish. The volunteers were excited to help beautify the neighborhood and build morale throughout the community. Heavenly Mother set the example of serving others and, as a result, the Church of God volunteers were eager to give back to the community.
Nelson Villarrubia said that the Church of God volunteers showed a great deal of enthusiasm while working quickly to complete the goal. And the volunteers realized how much work it takes for a tree to grow healthy. If garbage and packed soil stay on top, the fragile roots of a new tree cannot receive the water and nourishment needed to develop. Also, if weeds remain in the soil, they will compete with the roots of the newly planted trees and prevent the trees from properly absorbing water.
In total, the group cultivated and prepared 20 trees to grow healthy and strong. Ashleigh was all smiles when she said, “The Church of God volunteers were one of the best groups I have ever worked with… I am thinking of where else you all can help.”
When these trees reach maturity, they will purify the air 70 times more than newly planted trees. According to Trees NY, New York City trees must overcome many environmental issues, such as pollution, vandalism and de-icing agents, to mature. Through this volunteer activity, the Church of God played an integral role in helping to maintain healthy air for New Yorkers to breathe.
5 Responses
WMSCOG is carrying out wonderful work of God as salt and light in the world!
As a New Yorker I’m very proud to see to young people caring for our neighborhoods and ensuring a better future for all. Great job WMSCOG.
We ♥️U WMSCOG in the whole world ! Animo we are one in our heavenly Mother!
This event was so much fun. We learned so much about the trees and all that it takes to keep them happy and healthy for a better life for New Yorkers. Although it was pretty cold the work was easy as we all worked in unity. It is amazing to work together with such happy members all thanks to love we receive from our Heavenly Mother <3
It’s amazing to show the love of Heavenly Mother to the world. Through unity we can accomplish anything.