Arbor Day Plantings Planned for RI Veterans Cemetery
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Rhode Island Tree Council will host its Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 28, at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to help plant, mulch, and water 50 red oak saplings along the main concourse that runs between the cemetery's north and south end chapels. The day will start with a ceremonial tree planting conducted by RITree Council and several local veterans organizations. Attendance is free. RITree has been holding Arbor Day celebrations since 1997, planting more than 1,500 saplings in Rhode Island cities and towns.
A special place for all Rhode Islanders
“The Veterans Cemetery is a special place for all Rhode Islanders,” says John Campanini, technical director, Rhode Island Tree Council. “It has great monuments and a first-class visitor's center. But except for the forested perimeter, the grounds are rather barren and defenseless from the buffeting winds and glaring sun. Our goal is to provide some cover from the wind and glare, add to the cemetery’s aesthetic appeal, and honor our fallen heroes.”
The 50 saplings will add to the 127 saplings that have already been planted at the cemetery thanks to through RITree’s efforts. Saplings planted at the cemetery include cherries, lindens, Red maples, Dawn redwoods, oaks, birches, and tulip trees. RITree began planting saplings at the cemetery beginning in 2008. Most were planted with help from the organization’s tree stewards. Others were planted as part of RITree’s Trees Honoring Troops Program, a planting program designed to honor active, veterans, and fallen members of military service.
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“We try to make our Arbor Day celebration a day of learning and fun, especially for kids” says John Campanini, technical director of the Rhode Island Tree Council. “We also like to make it a day of meaning. We want people to bring their families, take a lunch, and make a day of it. It’s a great opportunity for people to learn the basics of tree care.”
As part of the Arbor Day celebration, members of the Rhode Island Tree Council teach attendees how to correctly plant, mulch, and water trees. Anyone who wants to plant a tree must bring a shovel. Officially, Arbor Day in Rhode Island is celebrated on the last Friday in April.
For more information about RI Tree’s Arbor Day celebration or its Trees Honoring Troops program, call the Rhode Island Tree Council at (401) 764-5885, email RITree at [email protected], or visit the Rhode Island Tree Council’s Web site at www.ritree.org
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