Volunteers Branch Out at Belvedere
Several beautiful new trees have just been planted at Belvedere estate in Tarrytown, New York, after a group of local Unificationists were inspired to replace damaged ones that were uprooted from heavy rainstorms in recent weeks.
Organizer Dominic Barber sought help to buy the new trees through a fundraiser on GoFundMe that immediately surpassed its $2,000 goal.
“We made our goal in just five days!” exclaimed Barber. “It’s amazing; I didn’t know there were so many tree lovers out there like me.”
In less than a week, more than 40 donors pooled $3,145 for five new trees. After raking in the funds, volunteers got to work planting a variety of native species on October 28 and November 4.
“Our first new tree was a Sugar Maple to replace the massive one we sadly had to cut down after a storm,” said Barber. “Then we dug four more holes to plant four more gorgeous trees.”
But sprucing up property grounds isn’t cheap.
On average, a good-sized tree ranges from $300 to $500 to purchase. Barber, who worked alongside fellow volunteer Charles Patterson and a small grounds team, planted the new trees at no extra cost.
“We planted the remaining trees all in one day: two Sugar Maples along the main driveway, one American Beech near the Agora House, and one Red Maple near the former tennis court,” said Barber. “It was such a satisfying way to spend the day.”
“Sometimes Mother Nature does seemingly cruel things by destroying things of beauty, but this always allows the chance for things to renew,” added Patterson. “Belvedere has some of the most beautiful trees in the area, and the dedicated staff has been working hard to care for them and keep them in good health.”
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Gunnard Z. Johnston
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Wonderful! Thanks to all who participated in doing this great work. Belvedere is God’s homeland in America.
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Gregg
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Great work Dominic and others who helped. It is wonderful for us to connect to God’s creation through our love and service. Especially on the precious property of our True Parents and True Family, Belvedere.
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Daniel & An Na Chang Castillo
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Thank you to everyone! ❤️
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Brenda Muraoka
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Thank you for highlighting such an important attitude and effort. It has been rare to see devotion to care for mother earth praised within our community. But this is changing. Wonderful! Respect and care for HP through nature needs a higher profile, I feel.
Much love to all who contributed!
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Malinda Vogel
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Beautiful work. Thank you Dominic and friends ❤
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