City of Lincoln and LCHS LEAF Club join ranks for tree planting ceremony

 

[May 17, 2019] 

LINCOLN 

On Wednesday, the city of Lincoln partnered with the Lincoln Community High School LEAF (Lincoln’s Environmentally Active Friends) Club for a tree planting ceremony at the high school. The city of Lincoln is a Tree City, having earned that recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation 17 years ago when the city partnered with the LEAF Club to plant trees on the west side of town.

LEAF Club teacher/sponsor, Sally Aukamp, recalled that first year when the club helped plant trees near what is now the Casey’s General Store on Woodlawn Road, as well as near the Union Cemeteries on south Lincoln Parkway.

On Wednesday, three members of the current LEAF Club came outside while on their lunch break to help place soil on the new tree, a Crimson Maple, that was planted just to the left of the circle drive at the school’s gymnasium entrance.

Lincoln Street Superintendent Walt Landers is also the designated forestry department leader. To kick off the ceremony Landers offered up a statement concerning the planting.

He began by saying that the planting ceremony was late this year due to wet weather. Typically the city makes every attempt to plant the ceremonial tree on or at least close to Arbor Day.

Landers noted that the city is now starting its 18th year as a Tree City. The planting is being done to recognize Arbor Day. He read the following statement:

“We’re here today to dedicate this tree to demonstrate the city of Lincoln’s commitment to the Tree City USA program and observe Arbor Day which was April 27, 2019. The Lincoln Street Department oversees forestry operations in the city of Lincoln and participates in the Tree City USA program because it provides direction, assistance and recognition for our community. It also helps us manage a healthy, sustainable forestry program so we can all enjoy the benefits of a healthy urban forest. A healthy urban forest provides our community with a beautiful landscape for the residents we serve.”

Immediately following Landers statement, those on hand gathered around the tree and helped with the ceremonial shoveling of soil around the tree. The tree had been set into place earlier in the day by Jason Mauhar of By Design Landscaping. Landers said that Mahler would be returning after the ceremony to permanently set the tree.

During the shoveling process LEAF members Josie Schumann (green t-shirt), Abby Stiefvater (purple shirt) and Victoria Martens (wearing plaid) shoveled soil and then named the tree Red Syrup because it is a Crimson Maple.

Others on hand to assist with the planting included Mayor Seth Goodman, City Administrator Beth Kavelman, City Clerk Peggy Bateman, Fire Chief Bob Dunosvky and Landers.

Throughout the year the city street department works to sustain the city’s tree population. Stormy weather, and in recent years the invasion of Emerald Ash Borer, have brought about the removal and replacement of a number of trees within the city. Maintaining the tree population in the city is, as Landers stated, is environmentally responsible and also adds to the overall beauty of the town and improves the quality of life for Lincoln residents.

The LEAF club teaches environmental awareness to students on the high school level. Aukamp said that students participate in a number of environmentally sound practices such as recycling at the high school, ink cartridge recycling and also do a LEAF event for fourth grade students in local schools.

[Nila Smith]