The Friends of Pastorius Park are marking Arbor Day this year by gathering at the big American Sycamore (the big white tree towering over the top of the pond off the W. Hartwell Lane entrance to the park) to celebrate the park’s new Level 1 arboretum status on Friday. 

The majestic American Sycamore tree, which stands above the pond in Pastorius Park, is a favorite heritage tree and is a frequent subject of seasonal photographs. It will officially be tagged as part of FoPP’s Level 1 arboretum dedication on Arbor Day. 

The 9 a.m. dedication will be brief, as four arborist crews will return with their equipment, generously returning for a third year of pro bono tree tending. The group will also take a moment to honor the memory of Paul Meyer, retired head of Morris A and devoted advisor in FOPP’s restoration of Pastorius Park. 

“At such a milestone for our small volunteer organization, how can we not think of Paul and his brilliant contributions to this moment, and how much we miss him and his infectious enthusiasm for all things green,” said Tracy Gardner, FoPP chair. “This spring, our first year without Paul, felt nevertheless lighter from the beautiful sequential flowering of the Magnolia and Yoshino cherry trees that he chose and positioned. Earlier, while it was still winter, Paul’s witch hazel plants generously scattered throughout Pastorius lit up corners of the park with a premonition of Spring.”

The following day, on Saturday at 10 a.m., landscape architect and Chestnut Hill Conservancy board member Rob Fleming and James McNabb, FoPP vice president, will lead a walking tour of the park, and trace its history from the early 1900s to Pastorius’ restoration and finally the recent arboretum certification.

The talk/tour is free, but space is limited, so people must register at

friendsofpastorius.org/event/historic-walking-tour