Tree planting in Arden in recognition of National Tree Day

Oct 08, 2014

On October 2 a small group of tree lovers gathered at the Recreation Park in Arden for a special tree planting event in conjunction with the fourth annual National Tree Day. National Tree Day, which this year was on Sept. 24, aims to celebrate the benefits that trees provide for Canadians, namely clean air, wildlife habitats, reducing energy demands and connecting Canadians with nature.

At the recreation park, members of the Friends of the Salmon River and The Friends of Arden groups joined representatives from Home Hardware in Napanee and Tree Canada to plant four large 15 foot trees. The planting is one of many projects that the Friends of Arden have carried out in their efforts over the last few years to rejuvenate the hamlet of Arden. The event came about when Susan Moore, a member of the Friends of the Salmon River, approached the Arden group, making them aware that every year Napanee Home Hardware through a partnership with Tree Canada donates some of their end of the season tree stock to help celebrate Tree Day. Four trees - two red oaks and two sugar maples - were donated to the Arden group and six more were donated to the Friends of the Salmon River and planted in Tamworth.

Terry Kennedy, a member of the Friends of Arden, said his group was eager to be part of the event and was grateful for the support both of the township who gave permission to plant the trees on township property and to the Matson family of Arden who donated their backhoe to dig the holes for the trees.

Also present at the planting were Aaron and Marsha Beebe, owners of the Napanee Home Hardware (located on the 401 at Napanee) who in partnership with Tree Canada are able to apply each year for trees to donate to area groups. Marsha said she was thrilled to be approached this year by Susan Moore, who requested the trees. “It's so nice to have people who really cherish and appreciate the trees and who will take good care of them”, she said.

Also present was Dan Baker, a representative of Tree Canada, an organization that for over 20 years has “engaged Canadian communities, governments, corporations, and individuals in the pursuit of a greener and healthier living environment by providing education, technical expertise, and resources to plant and care for urban and rural trees.” To date Tree Canada has planted close to 80 million trees in more than 550 school yards across the country. The total value of the Arden trees is estimated at between $1600-$2000.