This spring marked an exciting milestone for Big Reuse as we completed our first full tree planting season as part of our new tree planting program made possible by a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Over the past several months, our Tree Team, volunteers, community partners, and supporters worked together to plant 64 young trees representing 8 different species throughout the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Cypress Hills neighborhoods. Street trees do so much more than beautify our neighborhoods.
They help improve air quality, provide shade during hot summer months, support stormwater management, and make our communities healthier and more resilient. Through this season's tree planting efforts, we're helping create greener streets while investing in the long-term health of Brooklyn's urban forest. One of the most rewarding parts of this season was seeing community members come together around a shared goal of expanding Brooklyn’s urban canopy.
From volunteers helping plant trees by hand to local partners supporting the work behind the scenes, every person involved played a role in helping these trees take root. As Sra Feigelman from Big Reuse's Tree Team shared:
"Our first planting season is a wrap! This Spring our Mighty Tree Planting Team planted over 64 young trees and 8 species across Brooklyn by hand, in the Navy Yard and Cypress Hills neighborhoods in Brooklyn."
Planting these trees was truly a team effort. We’re grateful to Cumberland Packing Co., NYC Parks, New York State DEC, Council Member Crystal Hudson, Council Member Sandy Nurse, Council Member Lincoln Restler and every community member who helped make this spring season possible. We also want to thank East End Trees, DSNY, Mushroom Queens, and Smiling Hogshead Ranch for helping provide the materials and support needed to get these trees planted and cared for long term.
Explore Our Spring 2026 Tree Planting Map
This season, we planted trees throughout the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Cypress Hills neighborhoods. To help community members see where these new trees are growing, we've created an interactive map showcasing planting locations across both neighborhoods. We invite you to explore the map here and learn more about the trees helping make Brooklyn greener.
Help Care for Newly Planted Trees
Planting a tree is only the beginning. To help these new trees grow strong, we’ve created free tree care and tree planting resources for community members. These resources are available in multiple languages and are listed below, making it easier for neighbors, students, and educators to learn how to care for street trees and support tree planting in their communities.
Street Tree Care Guides
Street Tree Care Guides for Students
Tree Planting Information & Resource Guides
These resources help make tree stewardship easier and more accessible for New Yorkers who want to care for street trees, teach others, or get involved in greening their community. As we celebrate the end of our Spring 2026 tree planting season, we’re grateful to every volunteer, partner, supporter, and community member who helped make it possible. Together, we’re growing a healthier, greener, and more resilient New York City, one tree at a time.