(Not in order) Norwich Tree Commissioner Rebecca Hargrave, City of Norwich Mayor Brian Doliver, Alderman Robert Jeffrey, Alderman Fred Gee, Alderman David Zieno, along with other volunteers from the Norwich Tree Commission. The group gathered Friday morning to recognize Arbor Day. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH – In commemoration of Arbor Day and the work of a long-time community volunteer, Marilyn Kochersperger, a number of local officials and environmental conservationists held a ceremony at Bruchhausen Park Friday morning.

City of Norwich Mayor Brian Doliver read a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day and the work of Kochersperger, who supported a number of community projects and events, including those related to Arbor Day and many others every year.

Kochersperger recently passed away. She taught Sunday school at Broad Street United Methodist Church, was President of the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities for Chenango County; a lifetime member of the Norwich Garden Club; she was also a board member for Guernsey Memorial Library and Mount Hope Cemetery; and she worked closely with the Norwich City School District.

Head of Norwich Tree Commission and Morrisville Environmental and Natural Resources Management Professor Rebecca Hargrave said Kochersperger helped make the city a better place to live.

Doliver said Arbor Day was first observed in 1872 with the planting of millions of trees, and he read a proclamation declaring April 29 as Arbor Day.

“Tress can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife,” said Doliver.

“Trees in our city increase property values, enhance vitality of business areas, beautify our community and are a source of joy,” he told the group of about a dozen volunteers.

The volunteers will plant trees in Norwich's parks and public spaces and repair damage caused by the recent winter storm that brought down many trees.

Bruchhausen Park is located between Hale and Division Street. Families would often hold picnics in the park after honoring relatives in a nearby cemetery. Officials said the park was named after a former doctor who helped start the tradition.