The New Hyde Park North Lions Club continued its commitment to the community by planting a tree on Arbor Day, Friday, April 26, in Herricks Ballfield in New Hyde Park.

Whether planting a large-scale project or planting a handful of trees, Lions Clubs worldwide are making an impact on our environment.

Trees play a vital role in cleaning our air, filtering our water, and providing shade for our cities and urban areas.

With more than 1.4 million members worldwide, Lions are using their voice to raise awareness about climate change.

In 2011, the then International President, Wing-Kun Tam challenged Lions to plant 1 million trees.  Lions around the world took on his challenge, exceeding the 1 million trees by planting 15 million trees worldwide, and have continued to plant millions more since.

With this challenge in mind, the 2011- 2012 New Hyde Park North Lions Club president, Lion Dolores Carolan, along with club members, began their yearly commitment to planting a tree in New Hyde Park.

Since then, the club has maintained its long-term commitment to serving the community and improving the agricultural landscape by planting trees in New Hyde Park.

The current President of the New Hyde Park North Lions Club, Lion Bonnee Yannaco, along with some club members, continued the commitment by planting a tree in Herricks Ballfield in New Hyde Park on Arbor Day.

Also pictured from left to right are Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Kelly Gillen, Town Horticulturalist Bonnie Klein, Superintendent of Parks Joseph Iannotti, Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, and Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte.

Our thanks go out to all who were involved in making the tree planting possible, especially Kathleen Blair, recreation leader at the Town of North Hempstead, and Lion Jeanne Dippel.