PSEG Long Island plants trees for Arbor Day

Teams of employees from PSEG Long Island planted trees at public sites in Nassau and Suffolk counties in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day last week.

The PSEG Long Island teams were at Eisenhower Park’s Field 2 in East Meadow, planting shade trees native to Long Island and the East Coast, including swamp white oak, red maple, blackgum and eastern white pine.

Outside the Lt. Michael Murphy Museum in West Sayville, the utility’s employees planted flowering fruit trees in a historic orchard area to support local wildlife. 

In addition, PSEG Long Island and the PSEG Foundation partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to give away energy-saving trees to the first 100 customers who visited the teams in Eisenhower Park and West Sayville to learn about where to plant trees so they do not interfere with power lines, how to save money through energy efficiency, and what financial assistance programs are available. When planted properly, the energy-saving trees can provide shade and wind protections that can reduce heating and cooling costs.

“Supporting the environment is an important way of improving life in the communities we serve,” Peggy Keane, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island, said in a company statement. “We are thrilled to show our spirit of community service by planting trees in Eisenhower Park and West Sayville, honoring a 150-year-old American tradition and ensuring nature continues to inspire for generations to come.”

PSEG Long Island also received the National Arbor Day Foundation Tree Line USA Award for 2021. The award recognizes public and private utilities across the nation utilizing tree-friendly practices that protect and enhance America’s urban forests, while increasing electric reliability.