Columbia City celebrates 15th year as a Tree City USA
(Talk of the Town photo by Martha Acres) Several Mary Raber School children were present for the dedication of a tree on in their schoolyard Tuesday during the community’s Arbor Day celebration. Above, standing behind the banner are Columbia City Tree Board members Mayor Jim Fleck, Nick Steill, board chairman Eddie Beagles Jr., Gloria Banker and Nadean Eldien.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Marking the 15th anniversary of Columbia City’s unique designation as a Tree City USA, members of the Tree Board, the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District, students and faculty of Mary Raber Elementary School and a representative of the State Urban Forestry Division came together in celebration of Arbor Day Tuesday.
Pam Louks, State Urban Forestry coordinator, brought a large banner, and joined local residents in celebrating 15 years of what Louks describes as an especially rare designation of cities and towns.
Of the 560 cities and towns in Indiana, only 64 are certified as Tree City USA status communities.
“So, that’s a pretty rare designation,” Louks said.
When asked if she can tell a Tree City USA purely on looks alone, she said she can.
“Generally, Tree Cities don’t top trees and you’ll find more new planting and better tree care,” she said.
To be considered for Tree City designation, a city or town must have a public tree care plan, set aside $2 per capita for tree care, formalize a tree board and municipal department to assist in tree care and plan an Arbor Day event within the community. Columbia City has done just this – and had done it well for 15 years now.
At Mary Raber School Tuesday, Mayor Jim Fleck formally proclaimed it as Arbor Day in Columbia City. Following Louks’ presentation of the banner to Fleck, Mary Raber students presented a series of skits for their parents and local dignitaries to enjoy.
Later, a tree was ceremoniously dedicated on the lawn of Mary Raber School.
Students received tiny American Red Pine trees from the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District to plant at home and continue the goal of maintaining the Tree City USA designation for many years to come.
We will post additional photos from the event later today.