Ogdensburg school to replace downed tree

Tree stumps now line the formerly tree lined path of Ogdensburg school.

Superintendent David Astor said about the early December storm last year hit the school hard.

Twelve out of the 24 trees in front of the school were lost, he said, of which many were dedicated to teachers who gave so much to the community.

He said that just made a “sad situation even sadder.”

Furthermore, he said, they need to replace the 12 trees because the loss changed the look of the school, which once had a welcoming walk along the path.

In response to the damage, the Ogdensburg community is conducting a fundraiser to restore trees around the school.

Astor said, as part of the fundraiser, a gofundme page is available: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/ogdensburg-heart-broken-over-loss-of-school-trees. Additionally, people can contact the school to donate directly by making a check out to: Ogdensburg Borough School, noting in the memo section: Tree Restoration Program. All money, Astor said, will go straight to the restoration program around the school – 100 percent.

In addition to honoring former Superintendent Pat Dolan, Astor said, the Tree Restoration committee would also like to develop a reading area in memory of everyone who contributed to and impacted the school. Astor said he has always wanted to put a reading area outside. Unfortunately, he said, now they have their choice of location.

Astor also said, they are looking to purchase established trees – trees that are already 10-15 feet tall, which will have a better chance to survive.

After the storm, Astor said, the district had to quickly drop the 12 trees in the front, which were a safety hazard to the kids walking on the path. He said the trees were split, with branches falling down. Another big tree fell in the back of the school, he added, damaging the gym and breaking a window pane.

They are reaching out to the community, Astor continued, to see if they want to donate and help. He noted there will be plaques, and they will recognize and acknowledge anyone who wants to donate – any businesses who want to help.

Already, Astor said, they have had a great turnout, and several trees have already been spoken for. The Sterling Hill Mine, he said, “has really stepped up, as always” and has volunteered to help and assist with equipment, man power, and picking up the trees, along with other businesses.

“The school is the hub of the community," Astor said. "It is the center, and there are so many Ogdensburg residents who have walked these halls”, including every Ogdensburg police officer, many in the fire department, and the majority of the council. He added,

“We’re homegrown," Astor said. "We tend to like to stay here. We know what we have here.”