15 Oct 2015 Trees in Celebration leave a legacy for community
by Jan Spann
Healthy trees make healthier communities, and the Arbor Day Foundation has programs for individuals, businesses and communities to provide trees in various settings.
Each urban tree with a 50-year lifespan provides an estimated $273 annually in reduced costs for air conditioning, erosion control, storm water abatement, air pollution and wildlife shelter.
The Tree City USA program, sponsored by The Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides direction, technical assistance, public attention and national recognition for urban and community programs. The cities of Searcy, Maumelle and Conway have established tree boards to set a vision, which includes inviting citizens’ participation. In addition to financial assistance and positive publicity, this designation also enhances a community’s public image and pride.
Conway became a Tree City USA in 2007, and the City of Conway Tree Board was established to maintain the Tree City USA status. The board oversees a vision to protect and maintain trees within the city. Board members include a professional horticulturist, master gardeners, business owners and local citizens. You can learn more about the mission and how to become a friend of the Tree board at conwaytrees.org.
Since its inception in 1872 in Nebraska, Arbor Day has been an annual fall celebration of trees. The Arbor Day Foundation provides free trees through its website, and many cities host a weekend event to recognize the importance of the trees around us.
Urban trees are 15 times more efficient than forest trees in removing carbon dioxide, removing an average of 13 to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere annually. Trees don’t just remove gunk from the air we breathe, they also produce about 260 pounds of oxygen each year. Say thanks to the two trees that can supply your annual oxygen needs and consider that you should plant a few more to take care of the rest of your family.
This past February, the Conway Tree Board kicked up its program to include Trees in Celebration. The nine trees planted along Prince Street were in honor or in memory of individuals and organizations. Those include:
In honor of: John and Glenda Brownlee
(Ginko Tree)
Donated by The John Johnson Family
In honor of: Randy Romeo
Donated by: The Conway Tree Board
In memory of: Madelyn Grace Johnston
Donated by: TJ, Rachel, Sawyer and Hank Johnston
In memory of: Unborn Baby Boy Grimes 2004
Donated by: David and Laura Grimes
In memory of: Evelyn Gail Sketoe
Donated by: John and Beth Sketoe in memory of our daughter
In memory of: Paulette McConnell
Donated by: Her many girlfriends
In honor of: Pat Davis
Donated by: The Faulkner County Master Gardeners
In honor of: Conway Corp. Board of Directors
Donated by: The Conway Tree Board
In memory of: Anthony “Tony” Myers
Donated by: The Myers Family
The Conway Tree Board will host another Trees in Celebration in November. You are invited to participate. The purchase of a celebration tree includes a 3-by-5-inch plaque that will be installed at the base of the tree. The Conway Tree Board will purchase and plant the tree and will maintain the tree for its lifetime. The donor will also receive a certificate that can be framed to commemorate the memorial.
The trees are large and ready for transplanting into a city park, along a street median or other City of Conway designated areas. The cost of the tree includes care and feeding (watering) until well established. This provides for a lasting legacy.
A Celebration Tree costs $350. You can also donate $50 toward a tree. You may express preference of location and species of the tree to be planted.
The exact location and species of the tree, however, will be determined by needs and site conditions. We will work with you to find the ideal species and location for your tree. (Find more information at conwaytrees.org or on Facebook: Conway Trees.)
Planting or dedicating a tree in a city park, trail, parkway or recreation area is a wonderful way to honor people or events. By planting a commemorative tree, your gift will improve the health of the environment, increase the City of Conway tree canopy, and enhance the natural beauty of the community. The City of Conway Tree Board Trees in Celebration program is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy to someone or something.
A Conway resident, Jan Spann has been gardening for 20-plus years and has been involved with the Faulkner County Master Gardeners for 11 years. She and her husband, Randy, have five children and eight grandchildren.
