The Central Upstate Regional Alliance and the Green Team will celebrate Earth Day and the National Green Apple Festival (America's largest Earth Week celebration, featuring concerts in eight cities, expected to draw 500,000 people) by planting 25 Crispin apple trees throughout the Creative Core. Please join us at 3:00 pm on April 22, 2009 as we plant our green apple trees. In addition to the tree plantings there will also be coordinated Earth Day activities to highlight the region's various green sector assets.

Trees will be planted by these partners:

Auburn Beautification Commission, City of Auburn
Congressman Daniel Maffei, Spanish Action League
Clarkson University, Clarkson University Campus
City of Oswego, SUNY Oswego main campus entrance
City of Syracuse, Syracuse Technology Garden Terrace
Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, 527 S. Salina Str.
Hopko Designs, 75 East Court Street, Cortland, NY
LeMoyne College, Lemoyne College Campus
Lime Hollow Center for Environment and Culture,
338 McLean Road, Cortland
Mohawk Valley Edge, 153 Brooks Road Rome
Morrisville State College, Aquaponics Building adjacent
to Calllaghan Brook (April 24th at 10am) Arbor day.
National Grid of Syracuse, Corner of Erie and Water
Streets, Syracuse, NY
Onondaga Community College, OCC Campus
St. Lawrence University, SLU campus
SUNY ESF, 504 Niagara Street, Syracuse
Syracuse Center if Excellence, 504 Niagara Street
Syracuse University, 504 Niagara Street, Syracuse
Syracuse Technology Garden, Syracuse Technology Garden
front plaza
Utica College, UC across from North and South
Residence Halls

"This green apple tree planting is not just an opportunity for us to celebrate Earth Day, it also symbolizes our partnership with the Creative Core. The Creative Core is a coalition of partners who have dedicated themselves to our regional sustainability and creative initiatives. The City of Oswego is proud to be engaged in these collaborations," said Mary Vanouse, Director for the City of Oswego Community Development.

"The trees planted today demonstrate the incredible support the Creative Core initiative has received. This regional effort is supported by more than 200 businesses, institutions and organizations, all of whom believe this region has tremendous assets to share. The Creative Core message, reflected in the green apple, highlights our region's green history while promoting our green future," said Elle Stasz, director of marketing for the Central Upstate Regional Alliance.

"Planting a "green apple" tree represents our commitment to sustainable and creative endeavors. The tree will be a daily reminder that we cannot produce instant fruit. However, we have collectively committed to encouraging sustainable practices and inspiring creativity," said Dr. Raymond Cross, President of Morrisville State College.

Crispin Apple Trees- Crispin apples are also known as a mutsu apple (Malus Domestica). They were first introduced as an apple tree variety in 1930.The Crispin is one of the top 10 types of apple varieties grown in New York State. There are approximately 1,000 varieties produced here. Crispin apple trees usually require two other species of apple trees to pollinate and bear fruit. Crispin apple trees are hearty and do well in just about any climate and soil. The trees being planted are semi-dwarf tree and will be 4' tall and ¾" caliper when they arrive and will grow to about 9'tall.

About NY's Creative Core: What makes this region uniquely appealing is that we are a place that is real, smart and easy. NY's Creative Core is a place where opportunity, lifestyle and creativity converge. It's a place of unique history and rich culture. It's a recreational paradise with an abundance of lakes, rivers, mountains and streams. It's a place where green isn't just the color that surrounds you, it's a way of life. In short, we are truly a region that combines the necessary elements to spark and nurture our growth. By being a part of a strong regional image, you can grow your company and share in this region's success. Become a Creative Core partner today. Visit the Partner page at www.creativecoreny.com.

About the Central Upstate Regional Alliance: The Central Upstate Regional Alliance is a 42 member partnership formed to promote and market the region's assets and to retain and attract business and talent. The 12 County partnership includes: Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, St. Lawrence and Tompkins Counties.