OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon Officials celebrated its new 67 trees planted in Lakeside Park in Mayville, including this new Red Oak tree. Pictured from left: Sharon Smead, Tree Committee; Daniel Engdahl, Mayville DPW Superintendent; D. Mark Smith, Tree Committee; Laura Marsala, Tree Committee; James Cricks, Tree Committee; Richard Syper, Mayor; Melissa Paterniti, Representative for state Assemblyman Andrew Molitor; David McCoy, Chautauqua County Watershed Coordinator Department of Planning & Development.

MAYVILLE – In 1936, 150 silver maple trees were planted in Lakeside Park, some of which are still standing today.

Village leaders are making sure there’s going to be trees in the park 90 years from now.

In October, a total of 67 trees were planted in Lakeside Park. The tree types included Black Willow, Red Maples, White Oaks, River Birch, Red Oaks, Tulip Trees, Sycamore, Black Tupelos, Basswood, Silver Maples, Service Berry, Button Bush, Winter Berry and Sweet Spira.

About two and a half years ago Laura Marsala was working on her Master Garden Action Project and wanted to see more trees planted in Mayville.

She worked with village officials and formed a tree committee which worked on getting grant funds as well as doing the research for the native trees. The committee also worked with the village’s Department of Public Works in selecting the location of where the trees would go.

Marsala serves as the chairperson of the tree committee. Other members include: Jon Ortendahl, Sharon Smead, Priscilla McKean, Pat Appelbe, Mark Smith, Jim Cricks and Elizabeth Lasser. Recent members include Jane Chambers and Shannon Biekarck.

The trees cost around $17,000 to purchase. The village was able to get the money from the Chautauqua County’s 2% occupancy tax program for lakes and waterways.

Along with the tree committee, the village DPW and 32 students from Chautauqua Lake Central School’s Environmental Science and Field Sciences classes planted the trees.

“The project does not only enhance the beauty of our park, but also strengthens our commitment to environmental stewardship and community collaboration,” Mayor Rick Syper said.

Syper praised the Tree Committee members, the DPW staff and the Chautauqua Lake students who helped plant the trees. “Your commitment to this community and to our environment is truly inspiring. Without your persistence and passion, this project simply would not have happened,” he said.

Syper noted that when the 150 trees were planted in 1936, it cost 85 cents a tree, compared to $268 a tree today. “This investment to our community green space decades ago continues to remind us of the lasting benefits trees provide. As we work once again to plant trees within the village, we recognize that while costs have risen, our commitment to preserving and enhancing Mayville’s natural beauty remains a strong endeavor,” he said.

The Mayville Tree Committee meets the third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Carlson Community Center in Lakeside Park and is open to the community.

The committee also has its own Facebook page called “Mayville, NY Trees.”