Almost 500 volunteers picked up shovels and planted trees in McCarren Park in Greenpoint Friday to celebrate Arbor Day.

The event drew some celebrity appearances as well. Bette Midler, who created the New York Restoration Project, took the stage in the park and talked about how inspiring it was to see that many people working to improve the environment.

"People are really and truly excited about changing the face and changing the health of New York," said Midler.

The day's events were part of a larger goal. Six months ago, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced an initiative to plant a million trees across the five boroughs in the next 10 years. Friday's effort resulted in 120 trees planted, bringing the city's total to 55,000 so far. The city hopes to reach their first annual goal of 100,000 trees planted by October.