An American elm now stands on the front lawn of the Greenwich Board of Education, planted to honor the nation's 250th anniversary and the local residents who fought for independence.

The Greenwich Tree Conservancy, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the Town of Greenwich dedicated the tree on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 290 Greenwich Avenue. The elm joins existing monuments on the lawn that recognize community members who gave their lives in service.

Kate Dzikiewicz, executive director of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, told the gathering that an American elm can live more than 250 years with proper care. "It is entirely possible that this very tree could still be standing here when the people of future Greenwich are gathering to celebrate America's 500th birthday," she said.

The Conservancy donated the elm and chose the species for its history. American elms once defined urban streetscapes across the country before Dutch elm disease devastated the population, though some trees survived, according to the Greenwich Tree Conservancy. Dzikiewicz called the survivors symbols of resilience.

The ceremony fell on Constitution Day. Town employee Jonathan Fasone read the First Selectman's proclamation, and the superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools attended alongside SAR members and residents. David Perkins, a Connecticut State SAR representative, was also present.

David Wold, president of the SAR's local Captain Matthew Mead Branch #11 and a Greenwich resident, said the planting is part of a broader effort. The Connecticut SAR's Liberty Tree initiative has planted nearly 30 trees in Connecticut communities, with more than 300 planned across the country, according to a Connecticut SAR Facebook post. The SAR has designated 2023 to 2033 as the "Decade of the American Revolution."

Over the past year, the Conservancy has been searching parks, streets and private properties throughout Greenwich for trees that predate the nation's founding. Several are still standing.

A plaque will accompany the elm on the Board of Education lawn.

The Conservancy's annual Treasured Trees Celebration is scheduled for Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, according to the Greenwich Free Press. This year's event will recognize Greenwich trees that have been standing for 250 years or more.