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Public Comments - Media
Rain doesn't dampen Arbor Day celebration
Polk County Itemizer-Observer
May 2, 2001Volunteers planted trees, ran for fun
Tom Henderson
May 02, 2001
MONMOUTH -- Arbor Day is about planting trees.
In part anyway.
In Monmouth, the event is taking on much more significance.
April 28 is a time to see old friends and get acquainted with new ones. It is a time to work together on a common project. "It brings the community together," said Rena Hoover.
Hoover is the president of the Monmouth Legacy Forest Association. Two years ago, a group of volunteers wanted to make the north entrance to Monmouth along Highway 99W a little prettier.
So they planted about 150 trees.
The group evolved in the Legacy Forest Association. Every April has become a chance for planting new trees and caring for old ones.
This year, the celebration took on special significance. Monmouth was named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
It's the first city in Polk County to earn that designation. "That is really exciting," said Hoover.
To be named a Tree City USA, a community must have:
* A local tree board or department.
* A tree care law.
* A community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita.
* An Arbor Day celebration.
Mayor Paul Evans thought the celebration this year was particularly special.
"I was very, very impressed with the turn out given the weather."
About 150 people showed up to plant trees in Winegar Park, tend existing trees along 99W and take part in a fun run/walk.
All this in the rain.
"We survived three different rainstorms," Evans said.
Runners and walkers didn't seem to mind the rain. "I guess it keeps them cool," Hoover said.
Hoover was not only impressed by the number of people who came out, but how they represented so many different groups in the community.
There were Boy Scouts, Western Oregon University students, longtime residents and relative newcomers.
"Every year, we have progressively greater turn outs," Hoover said. "It's all about volunteering. Without volunteers, none of this would happen."
Some 24 new trees, as well as some bushes, were planted in Winegar Park. A dozen vendors sold plants, ironwork and other wares.
Hoover said members of the forest association are going to take a little break. They'll be back in September and October to do some more planting.
April will be reserved for celebrating and taking care of the trees planted in the fall.
"We're going to make it a little easier next year," Hoover said.
Evans said things like the Arbor Day celebration say a lot about the town.
"The Arbor Day planning and celebration is what community is all about. That was the essence of the day. It gives me hope."
However, Hoover said the day is not just about people. It is about the trees too.
"Trees add so much to a community," she said. "It's our own little urban forest."
Trees help with storm water run off, improve the aesthetic appearance of the community and help keep down the number of toxins in the environment, Hoover said.
"They also provide a place for shade in the parks."
She can think of just one thing she would like to change. "Next year we're just going to pray for sunshine."
