Tree Planting in Frederick County Parks

-Submitted by Earl Eyler
Frederick County Division of Parks & Recreation

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Recently Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation Staff have been following the example of Johnny Appleseed by planting trees in some of our County parks.  Our staff was assisted by volunteers from the community, other County employees, and Potomac Conservancy.  While it hasn’t been apple trees, these folks have definitely been inspired by the spirit of Mr. Appleseed, and the environmental example he set.

In October of 2006, Libertytown Park was the site for the planting of eighty-eight trees, with a success rate of 81%.  Volunteers from the development next to the park and County Park Staff, with the help of Kay Schultz (Frederick County’s Community Restoration Coordinator), planted a variety of trees, including Tulip Poplar; Black Gum; American Elm; Sugar Maple, Sweet Gum and Sassafras. 

Utica Park was the setting for another tree planting event in April of 2007.   Frederick County Parks and Recreation Staff, volunteers from the community, Shannon Moore and her staff, and the Potomac Conservancy took on the monumental task of planting 473 trees at the park.  White Pine, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, American Holly, Thuja Green Giant, Pin Oak and Red Oak were added to the park with an impressive success rate of 93%!  That is a lot of trees, and a lot of hard work!

October 2007 will see more tree plantings at our County parks.  At that time, seventy-five trees and shrubs (a mixture of native trees donated by Treemendous) will be planted by Park Staff at Utica Park.  Thirty-six trees (Pin Oak, Red Maple, White Pine and Tulip Poplar) will be planted at Libertytown Park, and forty Willow Oak; Sweet Gum, Red Maple; Sassafras; White Pine and Pin Oak trees will be planted at Pinecliff Park.  Kay Schultz and her volunteers, as well as volunteers from McDaniel College, will be working along side County Park Staff at both Libertytown and Pinecliff to get these trees successfully in the ground.

As you enjoy the shade and beauty of the trees at Libertytown, Utica and Pinecliff Parks in the future, take a moment to applaud all the people who gave their personal time to make our world a little greener and a little more beautiful.  Johnny Appleseed would surely be proud!