Northport Teen Plants Trees Across US to Revive Devastated Cities

Sarah Connor, a Northport resident, has dedicated the past nine years of her life to helping those affected by natural disasters. That number is even more impressive considering the fact that Connor is only 14 years old.

The teen started a lemonade stand when she was just 5 years old to help raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina, but when her favorite cherry tree in town was cut down, she expanded her fundraising efforts to plant trees in areas devastated by hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados and other natural disasters.

“One of my favorite trees in town got cut down so I decided to plant cherry trees up and down main street and that started the tree thing,” she said.

Since then, Connor has planted 20 cherry trees in Northport – 19 of them along Main Street and one at her former Elementary School on Ocean Avenue.

Recently, the teen was out at the Cow Harbor Day parade selling lemonade and lemon soaps to help raise money to plant trees on the South Shore of Long Island, hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy, which struck nearly one year ago.

Over the years, the 14-year-old has raised more than $20,000 for her causes.

Connor was recognized by the Village of Northport in 2011 for her efforts. She has also been named one of America's 102 most outstanding youth volunteers by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for exemplary acts of volunteerism.