Long before Utica officially earned its “Tree City” designation, the city was renowned for its picturesque, elm-lined streets. In fact, planners named entire neighborhoods after the trees that provided shade.
However, the 1930s and 1940s brought significant challenges as Dutch elm disease and pests severely reduced the city’s tree cover.
Arborist Michael Mahanna will present “The Journey of a Canopy,” a presentation that explores the evolution of Utica’s urban forest from the 1800s to the present, and what the future may hold.
Mahanna is the lead arborist for the city of Utica’s urban forestry project. With a 20-year career as an arborist and horticulturist at Hamilton College, he has made significant contributions to the field.
He initiated the Onondaga County Master Gardener program and currently serves as a horticultural vocational instructor at Midstate Correctional Facility.
Additionally, Mahanna is a board member of Green Utica and the owner of Evergreen Landscape Lighting and Design. He is also a member of the New York State Arborist Association and the New York State Urban Forestry Council, as well as a New York State Certified Arborist.
This program will take place on Saturday, March 7, at 2 pm at the Oneida County History Center at 1608 Genesee Street in Utica, NY.
Photo: Tree-lined Genesee Street in Utica, ca. 1900.
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