ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Some of Escanaba’s youngest residents celebrated Arbor Day by planting new trees in Ludington Park.
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts helped the Public Works Department plant two red oak trees and two bur oak trees.
Escanaba received “Tree City USA” certification for its 24th year. The annual tree planting is one of the City’s requirements.
Escanaba Mayor Mark Ammel says the tree planting is also an opportunity to teach the scouts about nature and to keep the city looking its best.
“We live in the U.P. because it’s beautiful,” said Ammel. “We have trees and forests and lakes and rivers, and we have to do our part to make sure that we are good stewards of this beautiful area that we get to live in.”
Hiawathaland District Commissioner Mark Rose says the trees will also be a reminder to the scouts of what they can do for their city for years to come.
“It’s something to know that you’ve added to the community,” he said. “As an old person you can go back and say, ‘Hey, there’s a tree that I planted as a kid.’ That’s kind of nice.”
When asked why she enjoyed planting the trees, third-year Girl Scout Taryn Harris said, “Because it can help the earth.”
When visiting Ludington Park, Escanaba residents are encouraged to bring an extra bottle of water to help the trees grow.
The new trees are located along Loren W. Jenkins Memorial Drive, across from the band shell and tennis courts.
