On Wednesday, June 5, the Meadowlark Outdoors Committee held what it hopes will be the first traditional celebration of Arbor Day on the Meadowlark grounds. This celebration was inspired by resident and committee member, Carroll Hackbart, as the beginning of a plan to replant trees along the Meadowlark pathway.

Working with Meadowlark leaders Mike Davis, Jayme Minton, and Becky Fitzgerald, the committee has participated in the hiring of Clinton Parsons, a local arborist, to remove dangerous overhanging tree branches, poison ivy, and invasive bush honey suckle which was overtaking many of the native trees along the pathway. Clinton also widened Donner’s Way, making the unpaved section of the pathway easier to navigate.

As honey suckle was removed, several bare spots were visible along the paved portion of the pathway. To fill in the bare spots, Carroll received a grant from his church insurance company in order to purchase and plant replacement trees. He ordered 10 seedlings from Arbor Day Farm, which were potted and will be planted in a year or two as they grow stronger. Additional seedlings were donated by Missy Brewer, Passport Member. Carroll was also able to stop at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City on the way home from his grandson’s graduation and purchase 14 plants ready to go in the ground.

Because the larger trees needed to be planted quickly, the committee planned this first Arbor Day celebration soon after Carroll purchased the trees, including crab apple, lilac, and redbud. Carroll also prepared the ground and dug holes for the ceremony. Pat Freeman, another committee member and resident, purchased compost to help in the planting of the trees. Several Meadowlark residents, including several residents from Miller Place, joined in the celebration and cheered on the committee members as the trees were planted for future enjoyment of Meadowlark residents.

Arbor Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1872 with an estimated million trees planted in Nebraska. Since then, the day is celebrated worldwide with the mission being to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Although the first celebration was held on April 10, the holiday is recognized throughout the year as it aligns to optimal planting seasons in different parts of the country and world. The Outdoors Committee hopes to continue celebrating Meadowlark’s own Arbor Day for many years to come.