Published: May 15, 2008 11:02 pm         

Youngsters in Luke observe Earth Day

The town of Luke celebrated Earth Day with the planting of trees by the children and grandchildren of Luke.

In conjunction with the Tree-Mendous Maryland Program of the Maryland Forest Service and the Rural Maryland Council Partnership the town received five dogwood and five red oak trees to beautify the community.

Working together with Becky Wilson of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the children of the town along with their parents and grandparents learned the proper way to plant trees and how to care for them.

When planting trees, it’s important to plant them in the right place. Tall trees shouldn’t be planted under power lines and the soil, environmental conditions and size of the area must be considered.

The children learned that the first step is to dig a hole two to three times as wide as the container or root ball, but no deeper then the height of the root ball. Then the tree is removed from the pot and placed in the hole. Once the tree is straight, the hole is backfilled and four inches of mulch is added to the area, but is not to touch the tree trunk.

Water is added to settle the soil and minimize large air pockets. The tree should be watered slowly each week with three to five gallons of water. Mulch will help retain the soils moisture and suppress weed growth. New trees should not be fertilized till the second year after planting and should be fertilized in the fall.

Special thanks go to the town crew, Eric Whetzel and Tom Bryan, whose efforts made the planting a bit easier as they started digging the holes for the trees. They also assisted in getting a load of mulch for the planting, which was donated by the Kingsford Company.

The trees were planted in the area of the memorial plaque on Pratt Street and in the Pratt Street, Mullen Avenue and Nevison Avenue playgrounds.

The Maryland Forest Service has assisted more than 2,800 towns, communities, parks and schools in planting trees and shrubs.

In planting trees the service is teaching residents the importance of trees noting such benefits as providing wildlife habitat, cleaning the air and lowering temperatures, adding beauty, reducing soil erosion, buffering the waterways and increasing the values of homes and neighborhood while inspiring relaxation and creativity. According to the Forest Service, forests are the most beneficial land use available for helping to restore and maintain the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay.

“Anyone who plants trees can call them self a TREE-MENDOUS Marylander,” says Terry Galloway, coordinator of Department of Natural Resource’s TREE-MENDOUS Maryland program.

Another special part of the program is having trees planted in honor or in memory of family and friends. A gift of trees is actually three gifts, one to someone you care for, one to future generations, and one to the environment.

All trees will be planted on public land, in parks and forests, on school grounds, along streams, creeks, and rivers, and along county and state rights-of-ways where they will beautify the surroundings and contribute to the quality of life.

For Luke residents of all ages, the day concluded with a cook-out and baked goods under the direction of Commissioner Janet Bryan, who was instrumental in the town’s receiving the trees.

“It’s so nice to be back in Luke and seeing some of the old civic pride taking place. True, things are not the same in town, but neither are they in any town. But the heartbeat of Luke still lives on,” said resident Vickie Lewis, who’s grandchildren took part in the festivities.

Among those learning to care for the trees and taking part in the planting were Brandon Bryan, Brooke Bryan, Madison Kenny, Kendall Lewis, Avery Lewis, Conner Stephen and Payton Stephen.