Westlake Garden Club celebrates Arbor Day

Westlake Urban Forestry Manager Stan Barnard and Westlake Garden Club co-Presidents Sally Knurek and Shirley Lutts talk about the Katsura tree the club planted at the Rec Center, before Mayor Dennis Clough presents a proclamation. Photo by Tara Wendell

Rain and windchill didn’t stop the Westlake Garden Club Members and officials from the City of Westlake from celebrating Arbor Day 2019 on Friday, April 26. Arbor Day was proposed in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska. It was first observed by planting more than a million trees in Nebraska. Today, we celebrate this Day throughout the nation and the world.

The Westlake Garden Club co-Presidents, Sally Knurek and Shirley Lutts, were present for the planting of a Katsura tree at the Rec Center Playground. The Katsura tree leaves emerge in March-April with reddish purple leaves, that turn orange-gold in the fall with a fragrance of cinnamon, ripe apples and burnt sugar. Tiny flowers, either red or green, depending on the gender of the tree, appear in the early spring. The tree can reach a height of 40 feet to 60 feet in cultivation. It is known for its beautiful shape.

The involvement and support of local organizations like the Westlake Garden Club help the city maintain its “Tree City USA” status, Mayor Dennis Clough proclaimed. Stan Barnard, Westlake's Urban Forestry Manager, gave us the description of the tree that was planted and assured us it would provide much needed shade around the playground area. Public Service Deputy Director Chris Stuhm, Facility and Grounds Director Bill Beech, and members of the city's Tree Commission were also present to observe the planting.

Our sincerest thanks and appreciation to everyone who participated in the Arbor Day Celebration.

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Volume 11, Issue 9, Posted 2:30 PM, 05.06.2019