BUCYRUS – Arbor Day in autumn is being celebrated for the first time in Bucyrus.
The city’s Tree Commission on Tuesday planted two Fox Valley River Birch trees at Aumiller Park to mark the annual holiday, which is typically observed in the spring. The trees, which will grow to about 10 feet tall, are near the pool house across from Michalek Family Woods.
“We think Arbor Day in the fall is ‘Amen’,” said Mary Lee Minor, secretary for the Tree Commission, which has been busy since its inception four years ago. “We want to promote planting trees in the fall rather than in the spring when they face more stress and early hot summers.”
In Aumiller Park alone, the Tree Commission has planted more than 40 maple and oak trees around the baseball fields, with plans to put in 100 more along the south side of the pool and ballpark by year-end, according to Commission member Valerie Spreng.
“We’re kind of a neophyte organization getting our legs and feet wet going now,” said Spreng, who joined the organization at the onset. “By the end of this season, we will have planted a total of 300 trees. Next year we will focus on maintenance, pruning and removal.”
The Tree Commission has worked with local nurseries – Crawford Nursery, Oberlander’s and Richard’s Landscaping – in their beautification efforts. Dying trees along Plymouth Street have already been replaced, and 100 more flowering trees will soon line Spring Street, Spreng said.
On Tuesday, amid a backdrop of colorful fall foliage, the Tree Commission formally recognized Park Supervisor Tim Coleman and the Bucyrus Fire Department for keeping the new plantings alive at Aumiller and on Plymouth Street during last summer’s heat and drought.
A proclamation from Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser was also read during the noon ceremony, designating Oct. 13 as Arbor Day and urging residents to protect city trees and woodlands and plant trees “to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.”
Arbor Day, which was first observed in 1872, started with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. Although it is now celebrated around the world, this is only the third Arbor Day observance in Bucyrus. The first two were held in April.
In addition to a framed photograph, Tree Commission members also rewarded the Fire Department with freshly baked muffins, brownies and apple cake for their watering efforts and hard work.
