By Michelle Rodriguez
The Belton Journal
Texas Arbor Day was observed on Friday, Nov. 8 by the City of Belton Parks and Recreation Department at Liberty Park.
“Several local business owners got together to raise money to replace the trees that were damaged during the recent storm and tornado that hit Temple. Schoepf’s BBQ, Reds Custom Tees, Texas Tour Gear, and 93 Nursery and Landscape Supply put on a fund-raising concert at Schoepf’s BBQ called “Rockin to Replant”,” said Paul Romer, Director of Communications for the City of Belton.
The fundraiser was such a success that after they had given away trees to everyone that wanted one, there was $20,000 left over, so it was decided to donate that money to the Temple Parks and Recreation and the Belton Parks and Recreation Departments so they could replace the trees that they had lost in their parks.
“Each city received a check for $10,000. Belton will be replacing trees in Yettie Polk Park, Liberty Park, and Heritage Park. Every year Belton plants trees around Texas Arbor Day, the first Friday in November, and this year is no exception. With the funds from the Rockin’ to Replant concert, we will be able to make a real difference in these parks where we lost the most trees from the storm,” said Romer.
“Trees are protected and established with new buildings and neighborhoods because of the understood value to our city, the increase in values enhance economic vitality, commitment to environmental stewardship of our community,” said James Grant, the Director of the City of Belton Parks and Recreation Department. “The city of Belton encourages the planting of new trees and caring for existing trees in our community.
The severe storm hit Belton on Wednesday, May 22 and then cleanup work began. There was an emergency road clearing and for the next four weeks, more than 17,000 cubic yards of brush was gathered. The hike and bike crew cleared brush off the trail.
Ronnie Schoepf with Schoepf’s BBQ, Seth Vance from Texas Tour Gear, Darren Perkins from Red’s Custom Tees, Andrew Voelter from 93 Nursery and Landscape Supply put on a fundraiser “Rockin to Replant.”
To honor their efforts, they each had a tree planted in their name. Trees like crape myrtles will create beauty for the park. It was demonstrated on how to plant a tree for the best results.
“To plant a tree, dig a round hole, scuff up the sides by taking a knife to cut the roots that grew while it was in the bucket. The bottom of the hole in the ground needs to be flat, plant the tree 1 to 2 inches above the soil, and compact soil,” said Voelter, Owner of 93 Nursery and Landscape Supply.
Legacy trees are trees that are planted in memory of a loved one with a plaque with the name of the person that was honored.
The Chamber of Commerce gives the citizen of the year and the Beltonian a legacy tree every year.
