FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A New Way to Honor Loved Ones While Enhancing Buffalo’s Urban Tree Canopy
April 14, 2026 | PR Contact: Zhi Ting Phua | zhi@bfloparks.org | 716-838-1249, ext. 31
BUFFALO, NY — Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (BOPC) is proud to announce the launch of the Charles E. Balbach Commemorative Tree Program, a meaningful new opportunity that allows community members to enhance the parks by supporting the planting and care of new trees, creating a lasting legacy across Buffalo’s historic Olmsted Park System.
Inspired by Charles E. Balbach, a longtime advocate for Buffalo’s parks whose lifelong devotion to trees and nature led to a generous gift to BOPC, this impactful program continues to grow from his legacy. Today, that legacy lives on with every tree planted. Donors are invited to honor a special person, event, or milestone through the gift of a tree — one that will take root, flourish, and provide beauty and benefit for generations to come.
“Charles Balbach tended to the tree canopy at his home with the same care and intention that defines our own mission,” said Catie Stephenson, Executive Director of Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “This program is a beautiful way to carry that spirit forward — allowing families and friends to leave something living and lasting in the parks that mean so much to our community.”
“My father loved trees and he loved Buffalo. This program is a beautiful reflection of who he was — and we couldn’t be more excited to see it come to life. We’re so glad his legacy can take root in Buffalo’s parks for generations to come, ” said daughter Melissa Balbach.
Program Highlights
Each commemorative tree planting supports BOPC’s ongoing commitment to reforestation and ecological stewardship throughout all 850 acres of Buffalo’s Olmsted Park System, with a particular focus on areas with the greatest reforestation need. Key features of the program include:
- 1″–2″ caliper trees are planted — not saplings — giving each tree the strongest possible start and the greatest chance to thrive
- Three years of dedicated care, including watering, growth monitoring, and replacement trees during the establishment period
- Choice of park location across Buffalo’s Olmsted Park System, including Delaware Park, Cazenovia Park, South Park Arboretum, Front Park, MLK Jr. Park, Riverside Park, and the Japanese Garden (cherry trees only)
- A framed Green Deed presented to the donor or gift recipient
- All donations are fully tax-deductible
Giving Levels
Tree plantings are available at two price points based on park location and reforestation need:
- $1,250 for plantings in Delaware Park, Cazenovia Park, South Park Arboretum, and the Japanese Garden — parks with a focus on ornamental and specialty trees requiring greater investment
- $1,000 for plantings in Front Park, MLK Jr. Park, Riverside Park, and Prospect Park — parks with elevated reforestation needs due to canopy loss from winter storms and invasive pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer
How to Participate
Trees are planted once a year each fall. To be included in the upcoming seasonal planting, purchases must be completed by August 31 of the same year. Payments are accepted by check, cash, or credit card — online, by mail, by phone, or in-person.
For more information or to purchase a commemorative tree, visit www.bfloparks.org/buyatree, email Commemorative@bfloparks.org, or call (716) 838-1249, ext. 31.
