Last Saturday, January 10, 2015 was MulchFest in NYC. MulchFest is a yearly event which the public can drop off  Christmas trees to be recycled. The NYC Parks Department offers sites throughout the city. The trees were chipped and volunteers used the chippings to mulch tree beds. During the frigid winter months a nice layer of mulch can provide a warm, protective blanket for tree beds.The teen volunteers learned the importance of mulching tree beds during the winter. The mulch protects the tree beds from urine and salt which can both cause harm to tree beds.  14 teens including students from Forest Hills High School and the Lost Battallion Hall Green Teens mulched street trees near Travers Park.  The Green Teens at  times enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa to help warm up. If you are interested in joining the Green Teens please send an email to Green.Teens@parks.nyc.gov.