The Rotary Tree Project developed in conjunction with Caribou’s Sesquicentennial, is beginning to take root around town. The Rotary Club of Caribou purchased 75 trees to be placed on public property and challenged community members to purchase another 75 to plant at their home or business in an effort to celebrate Caribou’s 150 birthday.
Alan Hitchcock, Rotary president indicated that they actually were able to sell 162 trees although it took a bit of work to encourage people to purchase trees with three feet of snow still on the ground. Hitchcock noted that the deadline was extended twice and finally the sales increased to the point where the original goal was exceeded. He also indicated that the Rotary Club of Caribou is greatly appreciative for the cooperation of area residents in helping support this project.
The trees were delivered to the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department where employees began the task of sorting, tagging and delivering trees to area residents. Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Kathy Mazzuchelli noted that most people were very impressed with the tree stock some of which were 8-13 feet tall.
Each business or family that purchased a tree received a letter of thanks from the Rotary Club of Caribou as well as information that would guide them through their tree planting and maintenance.
Park and Recreation employees recently began the task of planting 98 trees on public property, 75 of which were donated by the Caribou Rotary Club and 23 of which were donated by local residents. Mazzuchelli commended the Rotary Club of Caribou for taking on such an extensive project. She noted that not only will the trees beautify parks and recreation facilities and homes and businesses around town, but they also provide other benefits that most people don’t think about like shade, a sanctuary for birds and wildlife and tremendous other environmental benefits.
Park and Recreation officials are looking to devise a marking method for the trees that will be distributed to those who made purchases. Hopefully the markings can be placed on the tree noting the project and the Rotary Club of Caribou.
Members of the Rotary Club of Caribou gathered at the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center on June 3 to plant one of 75 trees to be placed on public property. Rotary Club of Caribou members, who planted this Flowering Crab tree, from back left are Ken Murchison, Galen Rockwell, Ryan Ellsworth, Brent Jepson, Rob Kieffer, Steve Mazerolle, Scott Willey, Troy Heald, Steve Buck and Mark Draper. Members from the front left are Paul Powers, President Alan Hichcock, Sam Collins, Diane Dubois, Athill Herbert, Pam Buck, Dr. Reginald Reed and Karen Chapman.
