A beautiful spring day offered the perfect opportunity for residents of Marion and visitors to celebrate Arbor Day as proclaimed by Mayor David Helms.
The group gathered at Riverbend Park on the Marion Riverwalk to learn about trees and the “greening” of Marion followed by the planting of a native white oak, the national tree, along the park’s walking trail.
The program was led by Kevin Sigmon, arborist for Abingdon and forester for Appalachian Power Company. He was joined by Charles Conner and Cameron Wolfe with the Marion Tree Commission, Paul Revell, urban and community forestry coordinator with the Virginia Department of Forestry, Marion Mayor David Helms and William Huber, local architect.
Also participating were members of VFW Post 4667 as an honor guard, leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sharon Buchanan leading the group in “America the Beautiful.” Friends of Smyth-Bland Regional Library provided refreshments while Blue Ridge Job Corps students presented programs and a display from previous Arbor Day celebrations, especially honoring Evelyn Lawrence and “The Crying Tree.” Art was on display by members of Appalachian Spirit Gallery and Frank Detweiler offered “Reflections on Genesis” about God’s garden and dedicated it to the town.
In announcing that Marion was chosen again for the Tree USA award, Revell said he was “really thrilled to hear about all the good work you’ve done” in Marion. It was noted that Marion is only the second city in Virginia (along with Abingdon) west of Roanoke to receive this award.
Huber praised Marion for the many aspects of “greening” the town is undergoing such as planting trees downtown last year, working on the pedestrian area as part of the project, herb gardens on Strother Street, renovating the old school/library for the Wayne Henderson Music School, and planning green space behind the courthouse upon completion of renovation as well as all the residents planting gardens and landscaping, showing their pride in their community.
Marion is in the heart of the most biologically diverse area in North America, said Connor, with its hardwood forest fall foliage among the most unique in the world. He and Sigmon also offered ideas for trees to use in landscaping such as maples, crabapples, redbuds and dogwood.
Sigmon said property owners should always take power lines into consideration when planting trees and choose types that won’t grow tall enough to impact power lines. Trees are the number-one cause of power outages, he said, by falling on lines. He suggested pagoda dogwood, witch hazel, and fringe trees such as Old Man’s Beard as appropriate for landscaping under power lines. “Right Tree, Right Place” is the motto, he said.
A special award was presented by Marion Tree Commission member Cameron Wolfe to the daughters of Dallas Brown in honor of him being chosen posthumously for the Dr. Jeffrey Kirwan Award of Excellence. Accepting were Terri Brown of Knoxville, Tenn., Dr. Jennifer Quesinberry of Marion, and Diana Blackburn of Damascus.
Brown was a teacher, coach and mentor, serving the Smyth County school system for 36 years. He was past president of the Kiwanis Club of Marion, an active member of the Holston Hills Country Club, member of Francis Marion VFW Post 4667, and a founding member of the Grassroots Conservancy of Smyth County. In retirement, Brown worked with volunteers and BRJC students during development of the Marion Riverwalk.
“I just think it is fantastic for Dad,” said Quesinberry. “He would have been honored. He was dedicated to plant life and making the community greener and bringing people together.”
“It was a very kind thing they did for Dad,” said Blackburn. “He would have approved that kind of tree for sure (referring to the native white oak planted in the park).”
“It was a wonderful way to honor Daddy, especially with a big strong oak because he was a strong personality,” said Terri Brown.
The program concluded with the planting of the tree in which many of the participants had a hand by tossing in a shovelful of dirt. Sigmon described the aspects of the oak, saying it could reach 60-80 feet, was planted in the right spot away from power lines with enough room to spread upwards and outwards with the roots. He advised watering with 10 gallons of water per week in hot, dry weather and also explained the advantages of mulching the right way.
A little bit of effort produces long-term benefits when planting trees, Sigmon said. He suggested meeting for another Arbor Day celebration in 2033 under the canopy of leaves on this newly planted oak tree.
Linda Burchette may be reached at lburchette@wythenews.com or 783-5121.
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