Four new trees planted in Sofios Park, one planted in honor of local

Norwalk's tree board planted four new trees Saturday at the entrance of Sofios Park.Stewart Downey, tree board member, said they have planted seven new trees this year.Downey said most of the funds the board is provided is dedicated to taking trees down, but board members were able to raise money to plant more. The tree board cut down 12 trees in July and planted three new trees Nov. 2 on Executive Drive. The trees were donated by the Downey, Buckland, Price and Ewell families.The trees planted in Sofios were golden rain trees, picked specifically for their roots. The golden rain has roots that grow downward and won't flare out and ruin a sidewalk, Downey said.Bernie Car, a certified arborist and board member, said the tree will have golden clusters of flowers and will make a nice entryway for the park.One of the trees was dedicated to Dan West Sr., who passed in October, and his family. His wife, Sue West, son Dan West Jr., and daughter Krista Boyd came to Sofias to see the tree. "We wanted to plant a tree in honor of your father," Downey said. "We're glad you guys came out."The board decided on this location because the family lives a short way up the road and will be a way to remember Dan West Sr.Mayor Rob Duncan and his wife Karen also came for the family. Duncan said he appreciates everything the tree board does for the city.Car considers himself a tree and soil nerd and thinks "deeply about what makes a tree healthy.""(I appreciate) being able to ensure the long-term health of our city trees or our urban forest," Car said.Another board member, Michael DeJesus, was there to help plant the trees and enjoys the work."I feel like a kid again, playing in the dirt," DeJesus said. "It's fun. The best times are the cold days."DeJesus said that anyone who spends more than a day with Car can become a tree nerd, too. Members of the tree board (from left to right) Bernie Car, Stewart Downey, Michael DeJesus, Mayor Rob Duncan and wife, Karen. Family members of Dan West Sr., wife Sue West and children Krista Boyd and Dan West Jr, and dog, Niles. The golden rain tree planted in honor of Dan West Sr. Bernie Car, Stewart Downey and Michael DeJesus, members of Norwalk Tree Board, planting trees in Sofios Park. A plaque honoring those who donated money for the new trees to be planted in Sofios Park on Saturday. Members of Norwalk Tree Board Bernie Car, Stewart Downey and Michael DeJesus planting trees in Sofias Park.