Monroe grows annual Arbor Day celebration

Monroe’s observance of Arbor Day this year signified new beginnings and recognition of the city’s deeply rooted history.

A troop of Fryelands Elementary School third-graders stood at the perimeter of a large hole that had been dug into the Lake Tye Park lawn early Friday afternoon. They awaited their next orders from Mayor Geoffrey Thomas and Monroe Parks and Recreation director Mike Farrell; a lanky red leaf maple was at the ready for planting.

“I look forward to many years from now, and you can come back and see this and remember the part that you had in this,” Jennifer Wood said to her class. “I hope this brings back memories for many years to come.”

Principal Jeff Presley highlighted the work being done in his building and throughout Monroe to preserve and support the environment. He often tells his students “every day is Earth Day,” which this year fell on Sunday, April 22. He commended the recycling projects completed by the kids who are part of Fryeland’s Green Team.

He thanked the city for inviting him and his students to take part in the celebration. Not only are trees a great way to improve Monroe’s parks, but they also provide important habitat for many local species, he said.

After officials said a few more words, Wood broke her class up into small groups. Each took turns refilling the pit with dark soil and stabilizing the sapling.

Thomas announced a number of new programs launching this year through a proclamation at the April 17 Monroe City Council meeting. The city is working to come up with news ways to bring more trees into Monroe’s parks and open spaces, he said.

This winter will be the first for the “Living Christmas Tree Program.” The mayor encouraged the kids to get ready for the next holiday season.

For families who buy live Christmas trees, instead of cut or plastic ones, they can contact the city once it is ready for disposal. Staff will then pick up and replant the flora in one of Monroe’s parks.

“We want Monroe to be a tree city,” said Monroe Historical Society president and Park Board member Tami Kinney.

Third-grader Evie Lunsford went to the April 17 city council meeting to understand the reasons why. She met Thomas and learned all about trees. She said their growth is critical for the community; they provide carbon dioxide, which is vital for breathing, and are where birds can build their nests.

Lunsford’s peers, Sophia Reyling and Rion Tribble, had their first chance to plant a tree Friday. Reyling said it was the first time she saw a red leaf maple. Tribble said he had tried growing a tree from a seed in his yard, but it never popped up out of the ground.

Kinney talked to the kids about another new program, Monroe’s Heritage Tree Program. She said starting the program has been a longtime dream of hers. She had previously headed one established in Shoreline.

An open application period will start this fall, Kinney said.

The community can nominate trees that have a historical significance, stand out for their genus or species, or have unique features, she said.

Kinney said the final selections will be commemorated during next year’s Arbor Day. The historical society will honor each with a plaque that includes as much information on the trees’ background as volunteers can dig up, she said.

The Park Board nominated and chose the first honoree this winter. The towering coastal redwood that stands in Traveler’s Park, and was wrapped this winter with strings of lights for “Light Up Monroe,” received the recognition Friday, she said.

“I am just excited,” she said.

Third-grader Eastyn Young said she was glad to be asked to Friday’s event, and she hoped it would become a regular happening. She learned a lot and loved the chance to get her hands dirty.

The new Arbor Day event will now be an annual affair.