Celebrating the appreciation Greenwich residents have for the trees on their properties, the Greenwich Tree Conservancy held its annual Treasured Trees Celebration on October 22 at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses.
The celebration marked the culmination of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy’s program inviting residents to nominate a treasured tree on their property. Trees were selected for a variety of reasons, including their special histories, distinctive shapes, and personal significance to their owners.
In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, the event also honored owners of Notable Trees in Greenwich that are 250 years old or older.
Mike Hupal, Kate Dzikiewicz, Colin and Kathy Byrne. Photo:Jamie Collins Photo: Jamie Collins
A particularly meaningful tree recognized at the celebration was a swamp white oak at Cos Cob Park with a remarkable connection to September 11, 2001.
While overseeing construction of the 9/11 Memorial in Greenwich, Peter Barhydt was given an acorn collected at the World Trade Center on the day of the terrorist attacks. The acorn had been picked up by a survivor who escaped before the towers collapsed. Uncertain whether the acorn would successfully take root, it was incorporated into the design of the memorial. Today, the resulting tree stands as a living tribute to those affected by the tragedy and has grown to 14 feet tall.
As part of the program, the Greenwich Tree Conservancy installed nameplates identifying each tree by its common and scientific names. At the celebration, participating families received a framed photograph of their tree and its nameplate.
Left to right: Sam Bridge, Sue Baker and Peter Barhydt. Back row: Greg Kramer. Photo: Jamie Collins
The Rosenschein family. Photo: Jamie Collins
Celebration attendees. Photo: Jamie Collins
Sam Bridge presenting framed tree picture to Jo-Ann Hupal. Photo: Jamie Collins
Elizabeth Hopley, president of the GTC Board of Directors. Photo Jamie Collins
The personal stories shared by families illustrated the many ways trees become part of our lives and memories. They included a sycamore outside a church library window where parishioners gather to meditate on Saturday mornings; an oak beneath which a family member was married; a birch planted in memory of a dear friend who had a profound respect for nature; and a Japanese maple affectionately named Jama.
Another family shared the story of a small double-trunk oak grown from seed by a cousin and planted in an area where many beech trees are expected to be lost.
GTC congratulates the 2026 Treasured Tree Honorees: Jim Chapman, Megan Harnett, Jo-Ann Hupal, Kelly Moore, Kristen Paradise, Colette Rogers, Jacob Rosenschein, Laura Shier, and Mary-Ann Zalman.
The Conservancy also recognized the 2026 honorees of Greenwich Notable Trees that are 250 years old or older: Gayle and Christopher Baring, Darrell Lorentzen, Coverly and Homer Rees, Barbara Reibel, St. Mary-Putnam Cemetery, Susan Sullivan, and Julie and Brian Wrapp.
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy raises awareness and creates respect for special trees and recognizes the owners who steward them. More information about GTC website here.