Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Rockport named Tree City for 10th time
 |
| After the award presentation the mayor, Johnson, Parks & Leisure Services Director Tom Staley, and others planted a magnolia tree. Photo by MIKE PROBST |
By MIKE PROBST, Editor & Publisher
The City of Rockport was awarded its 10th consecutive Tree City USA award Wednesday, April 30 during Arbor Day ceremonies at Zachary Taylor Park. Regional Forester Paul Johnson made the presentation to Mayor Todd Pearson.
“Any time a city has shown the commitment this city has it's wonderful,” said Johnson. “To think city officials were thinking about trees 10 years ago (demonstrates that commitment).”
Pearson said Rockport is fortunate to have the many volunteers and city staff committed to the preservation of our trees.
“If we all do our share we'll always have this,” said Pearson.
After the presentation of the award a magnolia tree was planted in the park.
Parks & Leisure Services Director Tom Staley said Zachary Taylor Park was chosen as the site of this year's Arbor Day celebration because it is the site of the Zachary Taylor Oak, once believed to have measured 100 feet from tip to tip.
Taylor reportedly camped at the site with the U.S. Army Third Infantry in July 1845 during the Texas-Mexican Revolution.
In 2003 the tree was given added support due to increased weaknesses and wood loss in the trunk.
“An effort will be made this summer to create an offspring via propagation,” said Staley. “If successful, the new tree may be planted here next spring.”
Zachary Taylor Park is known for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. It also contains a surprising variety of tree species.
“We've identified 12 different species and identification plates will provide information about each tree,” said Staley.
Last week the city's park maintenance staff planted 20 Crepe Myrtle and 20 Bald Cypress trees at Memorial Park.
“Any time a city has shown the commitment this city has it's wonderful,” said Johnson. “To think city officials were thinking about trees 10 years ago (demonstrates that commitment).”
Pearson said Rockport is fortunate to have the many volunteers and city staff committed to the preservation of our trees.
“If we all do our share we'll always have this,” said Pearson.
After the presentation of the award a magnolia tree was planted in the park.
Parks & Leisure Services Director Tom Staley said Zachary Taylor Park was chosen as the site of this year's Arbor Day celebration because it is the site of the Zachary Taylor Oak, once believed to have measured 100 feet from tip to tip.
Taylor reportedly camped at the site with the U.S. Army Third Infantry in July 1845 during the Texas-Mexican Revolution.
In 2003 the tree was given added support due to increased weaknesses and wood loss in the trunk.
“An effort will be made this summer to create an offspring via propagation,” said Staley. “If successful, the new tree may be planted here next spring.”
Zachary Taylor Park is known for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. It also contains a surprising variety of tree species.
“We've identified 12 different species and identification plates will provide information about each tree,” said Staley.
Last week the city's park maintenance staff planted 20 Crepe Myrtle and 20 Bald Cypress trees at Memorial Park.
 |
||
| ACND approves policy for new sign |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of rockportpilot.com.
Submit a Comment
We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site.
cheri palmer wrote on Mar 15, 2009 10:38 PM: