September 14, 2026

The breadth and well-being of its tree canopy is a significant indicator of a community’s quality of life. Trees provide oxygen, shade, soil stability, shelter for birds, and so much beauty. In summer, the Upper West Side is often ten degrees cooler than more sparsely treed communities elsewhere in the city. Trees add value and curb appeal to our streets and homes. And yet… we often treat them so badly. 

This year, the West 90s Neighborhood Association has leaned in to its quality of life mission with a renewed focus on its tree canopy and shared public spaces. Several of its recent special events center on a key West 90s hub: the north and south median intersection at Broadway and West 96 Street – on the south side, the subway station and plaza, and on the north, the historic Broadway Mall building and plaza.

Its upcoming “Have a Nice Day! > Welcome Home!” series, scheduled for two consecutive Saturdays, September 26 and October 3, asks the question: Wouldn’t it be nice if the last thing you see before you enter the subway in the morning and the first thing you see when you exit in the evening are beautiful trees, growing and thriving on a quiet plaza, surrounded by flowers, loved and appreciated by all who pass?

On the mornings of both days, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, W90s volunteers will be on the subway plaza tabling and talking with commuters about that very proposition and sharing information on how to make it happen.

In the afternoons, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., they will visit with local building managers and superintendents whose (previously surveyed and documented) trees are in distress, and share with them information on how to help their trees thrive in an urban environment.

For more information or to volunteer: https://conta.cc/3UDbEWz or West90sTrees@gmail.com

— Linda Lopez