CANTON – The Village of Canton recently celebrated both Arbor Day and Earth Day with a Blaze Maple Tree planted at Canton Central School.

That tree replaced a Memorial Tree (in honor of Peter Van de Water) planted there along with five others but which died.

Canton Village Mayor Michael Dalton made a brief statement of support for the days and for the celebration followed by a presentation from a Middle School student.

About 20 student members of the Green Team from CCS Middle School with advisors Megan Scott and Kirsten Newman assisted with hole digging, site preparation and planting.

The Green team is a highly active group for environmental concerns. The tree has a life expectancy of 100 years plus which means they all can show their kids and grandchildren the "tree they planted!" 

Also present was the High School Environthon Team with advisor Jim Burdick, recent winners of this year's SLC Environthon. 

Also present were members of the Canton Village Tree Committee with Chairman Lance W. Rudiger, Secretary Herb Bullock , John Casserly and  Ben Budelman. Steve Sherwood  represented the NYS DEC and helped direct the planting. 

Canton Village was just awarded a $75,000 tree maintenance grant from NYSDEC.