Virginia Department of Forestry representatives Joe Boswell presented the Town of Buchanan with a recognition plaque that marked the town’s 10th year as a qualified Tree City USA during Friday morning’s blustery Arbor Day Ceremony.
Boswell called it a special year for the town and also provided a 10-year metal banner to be added to the town’s Tree City USA sign.
Town Revitalization, Events and Park Manager Harry Gleason told the small group that braved the wind and cold and gathered on the Town Park for a tree-planting ceremony that the town has planted over 200 trees as part of its Arbor Day and Tree City USA efforts.
He said town citizens are realizing the economic benefits of the tree plantings that have focused on public areas in the park and along the streets in the past.
This year, trees are being planted on private property to start a “gateway” into town and into the residential neighborhoods.
Trees are being planted at Twin River Outfitters on Lowe street, at Austin Electric on the southern end of town an on the Kidd property on Culpepper Street.
The town has partnered with the Department of Forestry in a cost-share arrangement for the trees that include flowering trees and hardwoods.
During the ceremony, the group planted two dogwoods next to the basketball courts in the Town Park.
Del. Terry Austin said the town is seeing the fruits of the tree plantings throughout town. “We will see the trees grow and Buchanan grow,” he said.
He told the gathering that a lady who lives in the southern part of the county commented to him on how the Town Park has evolved and how pretty it is now.
With contributions from the community and a $2,323 VDOF Trees for Clean Water grant, the town raised $3,543 for trees this year.
During the event, representatives from the town unveiled the Buchanan Arbor Day Plaque showcasing donations from the public. The plaque will hang in the Town Hall.
— Ed McCoy
