Niskayuna, New York

historic Erie Canal locks opened recently and it’s free for recreational boaters to go through the locks.” Niskayuna residents don’t just enjoy the natural opportunities their area affords them, they have also made a conscious effort to help sustain them. The town has been a designated Tree City USA for the past 15 years. Sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and the United States Forest Service, the program recognizes cities and towns for their urban and community forestry. Tree Cities have a tree board or department, an established ordinance for tree care, a community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. “We love planting our street trees,” says Robertson. “We like to do environmental things and keep the town green, so that’s something that is pretty cool.” In addition to planting trees, they have Town Supervisor Yasmine Syed