Dear Subscriber,

On a balmy January 4 morning, Fort Greene Park was the site of the kick-off event for "MulchFest", New York City's annual tree recycling program, led by Mayor Bloomberg, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. The Conservancy got prominent attention for funding our park's MulchFest event this year. A hearty thanks to Park Manager Jeff Sandgrund for keeping us on track to sponsor this important cause! Thanks also to Conservancy Board members pictured above with Mayor Bloomberg from left, Ruth Goldstein, Norman Ryan, Charles Jarden and Jim Barnes for coming out to promote the goals of FGPC to the Mayor, Parks Commissioner and Borough President, as well as an enthusiastic crowd. Mayor Bloomberg laid out the details of this weekend's MulchFest which is taking place throughout the five boroughs and offered a spontaneous news conference as well, taking questions from the large gathering of press on a wide range of issues. And then it was time to mulch! The Mayor mulched the first tree with the assistance of Benepe and Markowitz and he was followed by Conservancy Board members who mulched several trees on site. The whirring chipper produced a wonderfully aromatic mound of fresh wood chips, which were later deposited on Park grounds. The morning was capped off with a television crew from NYCTV's "It's My Park" filming the crypt inside the Prison Ships Martyrs Monument and conducting an interview about the history and significance of our Park and its importance to our community. Once an airdate is announced we'll be sure to let you know.

There's much more to come on Saturday and Sunday so forward this newsletter to your neighbors and be sure to bring your tree to the Park this weekend. See details below on drop off procedures. Additionally, if you are unable to drop off your tree but want to participate in Mulchfest, The Greene Grape and the Fort Greene Association are spearheading a tree pick-up effort from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday, January 6. For more information or to sign up, please email amy@greenegrape.com by 6pm tonight. See you in the Park!

Charles Jarden, Chair, Fort Greene Park Conservancy