Weeping Beech Fundraiser replace demolished trees

Hello, my name is Jenny, and I live directly behind what used to be the beautiful Parkside Memorial Chapel in Rego Park, Queens.

I bore witness to the destruction of this landmark-worthy site. Parkside Memorial Chapels was designed in 1961 by Viennese architect Henry Sandig; with its unique modern architecture that donned a striking concrete lattice facade, it was devastating to see it go.

Outside the memorial chapel was a mature, healthy, green Weeping Beech tree that got chopped down in the name of overdevelopment. I went out to speak to the crew weekly, and they assured me it would be safe. One day I came home, looked out my window, and burst into tears when I realized it was gone. I felt so betrayed and upset I knew I had to do something.

I am looking to re-plant FIVE Weeping Beech trees throughout our community. Each tree runs for about $2000 installed. We would love to raise at least $10,000 to bring this beautiful rare specimen tree back to our neighborhood.

I watched for months the Weeping Beech tree teetering on the edge the demolition site, hoping for the best.

The Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica) tree is characterized by its shape with sweeping, pendulous branches. The tree's trunk may not be visible from a distance due to the presence of the covering "weeping" branches. The tree is rare within itself & seemingly was the only of its kind on Queens Blvd and throughout much of our community.

The green leaves become copper-toned in the fall. In winter, the skeleton of the silvery stem with its branches remains attractive. The purple pigment in the leaves acts like a sunscreen to protect its new leaves. The beechnuts sit in a thin spiny husk and are popular in autumn with birds and squirrels.

More pictures of the Weeping Beech that was destroyed during the Parkside Memorials demolishing: