A small group of visitors gathered to take part in the Arbor Day activities. During the program, Community Development Planner Harry Gleason gave a brief history that trees have played in the town’s history, including revitalization efforts on the Town Park and street trees.
Senior Area Forester Denny McCarthy of the Virginia Department of Forestry spoke about the town’s partnership with the Department of Forestry and presented the town with a recognition of its 14th year as being designated as a Tree City USA community. McCarthy noted “Buchanan’s efforts to meet the requirements including the investment of $2 per resident, having a Town Tree Ordinance and Tree Board as well as the town’s annual Arbor Day Proclamation.”
Gleason noted that “more than 30 individuals, businesses and civic groups donated to the town’s Arbor Day Fund to help purchase trees and supplies as well as provide money for the future replacement of trees within the town.” Buchanan also received a grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry through the Trees for Clean Water Grant Program. The trees being planted will help to filter rain and reduce erosion into the adjacent James River.
The town will be working with staff and volunteers over the next week to plant elm trees, maple trees and a Parrotia tree as well as shrubs to help beautify the town.
