 Tree Planting at MacDougall Park
by Kirk Othmer
The tree planting was the second time I had ever been at MacDougall Park. The first time was the week before the tree planting on September 30th 2006, on the advice of a newly acquired friend. I took a few pictures (only 35 - kept 23), on that day. I found a new respect for people who volunteer their time to the community. It's been a long journey to get to this point in the park's development, for everyone in this district including people, businesses, and community groups. As the next week unfolded, I was able to shift my schedule around to help out at the tree planting ceremony. I arrived at the park with my son at 9 am, a little disappointed that there was no one there. So we went to Barry's Home Hardware, and bought some spring bulbs. We returned to the park by 9:40 and we were a little surprised to see seven to nine horticulture members ready to set up. I had only expected one or two people besides Lindley, Hort president. As we started to set up, Lindley mentioned that children from JK to grade 4 from the nearby school had sent pictures, and children from grade 5 to grade 8 had sent in essays about the importance of trees in the environment. We started to put up the kids' material and it just kept coming and coming. It took six people on average over an hour to put up all the artwork and essays. Great work by all the kids. I was very impressed. Also I learned that Cindy Cluett and Barry's Home Hardware had secured a grant from Trees Canada to help plant nine more trees in the park. Thanks again. As the ceremony began, I took a few more pictures, and I also met the mayor of Russell. There turned out to be over 100 people at the ceremony. After it was over, many people walked around to see the pictures and essays as well as the new trees that had been planted days before. As the visitors left, a group of people cleaned up the park and removed all the pictures and essays. I talked to many people and all said it was a great turnout and nice ceremony. Thanks to all and I mean everyone who has ever volunteered or donated money to the preservation of any green space. You deserve a pat on the back, and if you come to a Russell and District Horticulture meeting, held on every third Monday of almost every month, I will be there to give you that pat on the back.
Now if I forgot to thank you ANYONE, I do apologize. If I have made any omissions or mistakes in my recounting of a great memory, I'm sorry it's my first time in a public forum. Next time you can write for me. Thanks again.(2007-11-28) |
|
|
