Observing Arbor Day 2024, a small group gathered at the Escalon Community Garden along Jackson Avenue on Friday morning, April 26. With a welcome by Amanda Taylor, Co-President of the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club, offered a brief history of Arbor Day and California Arbor Day, as well as highlighting the value of trees.
Those attending gathered on site of the Escalon Strong-sponsored community garden initiative, with plenty of vegetables and flowers growing in the many planter boxes being rented by local residents.
Taylor told attendees that Arbor Day was officially proclaimed in 1874 by Nebraska, two years after an April 1872 celebration, which saw more than a million trees planted in the state. Now, Arbor Day is celebrated in all 50 states, the most common date for state observances is the last Friday in April.
“Arbor Day, much like Earth Day, is a holiday that celebrates nature,” said Taylor. “Its purpose is to encourage people to plant trees.”
She also pointed to the ‘community value of trees’ that include such facts as: healthy, mature trees add an average of 10 percent to a property’s value; trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20 to 50 percent in energy used for heating.
Also offering some remarks at the brief ceremony was Bernie Hendrix, who serves as the California Garden Club Arbor Day Chairperson and is a former Valley Lode District Director. She noted the donation of Burchell Nursey of not only the tree being planted in Escalon, but several trees given out around the Valley Lode District for planting in honor of Arbor Day.
“This is one of many dedications going on today,” Hendrix said, adding that 17 trees were donated by Burchell for planting throughout the region. “Thank you all for coming, for planting this tree and for being such wonderful, nurturing individuals; may your club and activities grow.”
Escalon Strong President Andy Hagan officially accepted the tree once the planting was complete.
“I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support our collective efforts between Escalon Strong, Escalon Farmington Garden Club, and the Valley Lode District of the California Garden Clubs, Inc. to protect our trees and woodlands,” Hagan said.
Escalon Strong Community Garden is still accepting applications from residents to rent their own garden plot. You can rent a planter box for $50 per year, the four-by-12 planter box, soil and water are provided. For more information, contact Lorraine Nicholson at 209-613-8708 or Lynda Stagno at 209-505-9337.
