The Rev. Michael Denton says the world needs more 'rootedness' and that the oak has provided shade for many in need over the years.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city celebrated Arbor Day with a birthday party for a 100-year-old red oak tree outside United Church of Christ.
This included a cake and singing "Happy Birthday" to the stately organism that challenges the height of the adjacent buildings.
"The thing that always amazes me about trees is that when you look at the network of branches above it, that same thing is mimicked in the ground underneath it. When I think about that, it amazes me," the Rev. Miichael Denton said to a crowd in the church's yard.
"So when you look up at this, underneath us are even more intricate weavings of branches and roots that support what this tree does. As we look at these times and these days, we recognize that this world needs more of that rootedness. It needs to recognize those things that happen above and those things that happen below as we work in concert with each other, recognize that this planet that we live on is fragile, recognize that the planet that we live on needs our help, and by helping out this planet, we help out ourselves."
Most of the buildings at 110 South St. are more than 100 years old, and the tree was likely planted as a celebration of that work. It now stands about 75 feet tall.
"We don't know for sure, but what we do know is that this shade, this tree, has given shade to many of those who needed it," Denton said.
"This tree has given a quiet place for people to sit. This tree has helped keep this section of South Street green and beautiful."
Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Program Manager James McGrath explained that while the city didn't plant a tree for Arbor Day, which is Friday, "We are doing a heck of a lot of tree planting."
"We are always thinking about the future of the city, but we are also always remembering the past and trying to make those connections because our past really helps to inform our future and where we're going as a community," he said.
Mayor Peter Marchetti delivered a proclamation and a couple of tree jokes, including "What did the tree do when the bank closed? It opened a new branch."
The holiday was established 153 years ago by J. Sterling Morton and was first observed in Nebraska with the planting of more than a million trees. McGrath has been a part of Pittsfield's Arbor Day celebration, held at various city locations, for 27 years.
He encouraged attendees to look at this tree, "And not only this tree, but have a look at this church because this is where so many wonderful things are happening. Under these branches, under this tree, there is work happening in our community that is benefiting our community."
"While we use the occasion to recognize and celebrate the importance of trees in our landscape, we also very intentionally use the occasion to recognize the very best people and organizations in our community who have worked diligently to protect our environment and a community that, at times, struggles to live within it," McGrath said, pointing to the various organizations that have been honored including Pittsfield Beautiful and the Lake Onota Preservation Association.
Last year, a tree was planted in honor of Robert Presutti, a longtime volunteer who passed away in 2023 at the age of 88.
"If I know Bob Presutti, if he were here today, he would have a smile on his face, he would ask me how my boys are doing, and then he would say, 'Jim, I don't think they pruned this tree very well,'" McGrath joked.
"So on this Arbor Day, let us remember that trees are not only our promise to the future and a testament to our shared responsibility for this planet, but these trees are also a witness. A witness to the great work that we do as a community."
Denton said trees are mentioned at least 400 different times between the Christian Bible and Jewish scriptures and are a part of every spiritual tradition.
"Within the tradition of Islam, and this is one of my favorites, planting a tree is considered to be an act of charity that gives to others and that gives to the world," he said.
"When we're thinking about trees during this time and this place that we're present on this earth, that last one is the one that continues to resonate with me, this idea that planting a tree is an act of charity, it's an act of service."
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