Last January Fort Greene Park was the site of the kick-off event for "MulchFest", New York City's annual tree recycling program. Mayor Bloomberg mulched the first tree with the assistance of Parks Commisioner Benepe and Borough President Markowitz. They were 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. This year's Mulchfest is this weekend, on January 5th and 6th from 10AM to 2PM. Read the feature below for more information and instructions on how you can participate in Mulchfest.

This program is just one of the many community initiatives sponsored by the Fort Greene Park Conservancy. Consider starting off your new year with a donation to the Conservancy to help us continue our mission. There are two easy ways ways make a tax-deductible donation. You can donate online through Paypal on the Conservancy website or send a check to 85 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217.

We hope to see you at Mulchfest 2008 in the park on January 5th and 6th. And don't forget to bring your tree!

This year's MulchFest in Fort Greene Park is being held on Saturday January 5 and Sunday January 6, from 10am to 2pm - at the Washington Park/DeKalb entrance.

MulchFest provides New Yorkers an opportunity to bring their Christmas trees to designated sites where they are ground into wood chips. A wood chipper will be in the park making the mulch. The chips can then be placed in tree pits and gardens. Participants are encouraged to bring bags to take advantage of the free mulch provided. Parks & Recreation encourages New Yorkers to help the environment and their community by participating in this event. Our dedicated Park Manager, Jeff Sandgrund will have staff in the park Saturday and Sunday to ensure that people are dropping off their trees in the right spot.

• All lights, ornaments, and decorations must be removed from the trees prior to drop-off.
• Participants will be able to take wood chips and/or mulch home from designated chipping sites. Mulch will not be available at sites marked as "Drop-off Only".

Click here to view the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation MulchFest 2008 information.