City plants 33 new trees in honor of Arbor Day

Last updated 4/29/2014 at Noon

Jerry Baldock

Sisters public works helpe kids plant trees.

When Ms. Parsons' third- and fourth-grade class, and Ms. Elliott's kindergarten class from Sisters Elementary School arrived at the south fence at Creekside Park last Thursday, there were 33 trees awaiting them.

They were gathered on Thursday, April 24, to celebrate Arbor Day with Sisters' annual tree-planting.

The big spruce trees and some aspen trees were donated by First Story, a division of Hayden Homes, and by Bruce Rognlien, owner of Hawks Haven Ranch in Sisters. Chad Stadeli, of C&C Nursery, and Gary Frazee transported the trees to the site, and the City of Sisters Public Works crew had plenty of shovels and water ready to get them planted in the ground along the wooden fence that screens the park from its neighbors.

Mayor Brad Boyd read the traditional Arbor Day proclamation before honoring Savannah Salisbury, age 10, for her entry in the Tree of the Year contest. Savannah nominated a willow tree, saying, "The way the branches move reminds me of the spirit of Sisters." Kids read tree-themed poems and haiku before digging in to the actual work of getting the trees planted, under the supervision of the public works crew.

Even more of an attraction than the trees was Porter the Mule, who has become a sort of unofficial Arbor Day mascot for Sisters. Children enjoyed gathering around the docile mule and petting him and posing for pictures.

Public Works Director Paul Bertagna noted that the big spruce trees are by far the biggest trees the city has planted over several years of Arbor Day celebrations. The trees are expected to fill out and effectively screen the fence and the RV campers that lie beyond.

A total of 38 trees will be planted; according to the City, they have permission from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to plant several inside the fence.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.