Pictured from left are Roxanne Astry, Bob Reuther, Peter George and Rachyl Krupa. Not pictured is Lori Brockelbank. Submitted photo

CASSADAGA — On Saturday, the Cassadaga Tree Committee will again be overseeing the planting of trees along Maple Avenue in the village.

The Tree Committee has been active for the past couple years in an attempt to restore Maple Avenue to what it once was.

The Tree Committee — made up of Roxanne Astry, Lori Brockelbank, Peter George, Rachyl Krupa, and chairman Bob Reuther — began in 2018 and has since been certified by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Its first Arbor Day celebration was in 2019 and was done under additional motivations last year.

“We really solidified our purpose in 2020 and we held a tree planting memorial for (Emmaline Wilcox) who died in the car accident on Route 60,” Reuther said.

This year, a total of 15 trees will be planted on Maple Avenue that will include a number of oaks that fit with the modern-day environment. The village is providing the funding and equipment, while volunteers from both the Tree Committee and residents will assist with planting. The planting of trees will begin at 10 a.m.

“I just couldn’t be more pleased or proud of the people who are on this committee,” Reuther said. “And with the residents who are willing to have these trees planted in the yard and to once again make Maple Ave as beautiful as it was.”

The benefit of trees on communities and environments can’t be understated, as the trees serve purposes beyond appearance.

“Trees filter water flow, they clean the air, they’re aesthetically pleasing, they provide shade that’s important in energy efficiency, especially in the summertime,” Reuther said. “They’re homes to various birds and squirrels. Trees are very important.”

Though the community of Cassadaga is small, the Tree Committee is still able to do good work for the community. This tale of success is something Reuther wants other communities to know. “This is a hardworking committee and I want the other villages and towns to know that even though they’re small, they can do this too,” Reuther said. “We’re glad to help any village go through the process. We think putting trees back in the village is important.