Local Biz's 130-Tree Donation Creates 'Educational Arboretum' in Wyckoff

Wyckoff’s new Russell Farms Community Park has on its property an “educational arboretum” that township officials say would not have been possible without a “generous” donation from a local business.

Tuesday night, the Mayor and Township Committee publicly thanked Michael Almstead of Almstead Tree and Shrub Care Co. for his 130-tree donation to the park.

The trees – both flowering and deciduous – line one section of the new park, which officially opened to the public last month. According to township officials, the arboretum will serve not only as a backdrop to the park and a nursery from which trees can be planted and replanted throughout the township, but also as an educational opportunity to students, community groups, and others in the township.

Russell Farms “always had an orchard of mostly peach trees on it…and we wanted to bring a nursery back to the location,” Committeeman Kevin Rooney said Tuesday night.

“Michael did not hesitate. Not only did he donate the trees, but also his company’s time and energy to educate the public.”

Almstead is hosting educational sessions on pruning, cultivation, organic growing, and more at the arboretum.

The Committee presented Almstead with a proclamation Tuesday night to thank him for his “extremely generous” donation.