Tiffin Bicentennial Celebration of Trees
Early in 2002, City Administrator Wayne Stephens received an application and guidelines for an Ohio Bicentennial Legacy Tree Planting Initiative. The urban forestry grant program was sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and administered by the Division of Forestry
The application by Wayne in consultation with the Tiffin Shade Tree and Beautification Commission was successful, and the city received a matching grant of $6,240. Stephanie Miller, an urban forester representing the Northwest Ohio District, is helping with the project. The matching funds are from the Tree Commission budget and that will allow the purchase of additional trees.
The 78 trees that were proposed in the matching grant will be received on April 16th and will be planted by a city work crew headed by Lowell Hetzel, the city arborist.
Last week some members of the Tree Commission, prisoners from the Sheriff’s department, and a city crew under the guidance of Hetzel cleaned and cleared the riverside area from the railroad bridge to Hunter Street. Ten redbud, alternating with ten serviceberry (sarvice) are to be planted there. In summary, 57 trees are planned for the Old Tiffin Historic side of the Sandusky River, from the Washington Street Bridge to Hunter Street. The Fort Ball side of the river from the Washington Street bridge norh to the railroad bridge will receive 21 trees. The other species to be planted are Columnar Cherry and Centurion Crab.
As part of our Bicentennial Celebration of Trees and Arbor Day, all public and private school students from K-12 were invited to participate in an art contest with the theme of trees or Arbor Day. The various schools will choose the winners. The results will be known by April 11. There will be 27 top winners including two from the School of Opportunity. The art work of the winners will be on display at the Tiffin Seneca Library from April 21- May 4.
A poetry contest with the same theme has been concluded. A judge from the Tiffin Poetry Association has chosen the four top winners, one each from the primary, middle, and high school levels plus one adult winner. The four winners will read their poems at the celebration. In addition, the Poetry Association and the Tree Commission are sponsoring a poetry reading by all contestants at the Seneca Public Library on April 23 from 7-9 PM. For further information call Mary Ann Kromer at 419 447-7268 or the Poetry Association number 419 447-7268
The winners of the art and poetry contest will receive a certificate, a savings bond and a nice tree provided by Northbranch Nursery of Pemberville. They and their parents will be guests at the luncheon.
The work that began when the grant was received from the Ohio Bicentennial Legacy Tree Planting Initiative will culminate on Arbor Day and Bicentennial Celebration in Tiffin on April 26th, 2003. All the morning festivities will be at the Commission on Aging, 10 Riverside Drive.
?8:45 Refreshments and viewing of displays
?9:00 Welcome Mayor Bernie Hohman
?9:10 Slides of Tiffin Trees Dr. Percy Lilly
?9:30 Tree Care Stephanie Miller, Urban Forester
10:00 Break and viewing of displays
10:15 Johnny Appleseed, Ken Hammondtree
11:45 Status of Tiffin Trees Wilma Klopp City ??Council member
11:00 Dedication of Bicentennial Plaques Dr. John ??Bing
11:15 Dedication and planting of Bicentennial Tree ??Lowell Hetzel
The afternoon program including the luncheon will be at the Community Civic Center, 151 South Washington.
11:45 Lunch begins
12:30 Living History Production Ken Hammondtree
1:00 Awards to art and poetry winners.
Everyone is invited to attend the morning program at the Commission on Aging. Reservations for the lunch and afternoon program must be made at the Mayor’s Office (419 448-5401). The cost of the lunch is $8.00 payable at the door.
The beautiful Sandusky River running through Tiffin is a great asset. Next spring, we will see early flowering redbud and serviceberry lining the banks and enhancing the view. Later in April what a sight the Columnar Cherry and Centurion Crab will present!
In time flower gardens including early spring bulb plants will be seen near the cherry and crab. Wild flowers would look nice from the railroad bridge to Hunter Street. Perhaps some garden clubs might like to be involved.
– Percy