Girl Scouts, Woman's Club Celebrate Arbor Day With Shovels and Sunshine

Community members gathered at the Stoney Creek Schoolhouse on the grounds of the on Friday to watch as a green mountain sugar maple tree was planted in celebration of Arbor Day.

The raised the funds for the tree and chose the Schoolhouse as the location for the annual planting. According to Woman’s Club member Lauren Sitko, they raised $250 for the tree by collecting and recycling bottles and cans. The schoolhouse and farm were chosen because they were the recipient of the majority of the funds that the woman’s club raised this year.

“Our arts and conservation department (of the woman’s club) had a theme of living green and being environmentally conscious this year,” Sitko said. “So this was a wonderful way to extend the help we’ve given to Van Hoosen this year.”

Museum director Pat McKay was pleased that the group chose their location because of the historical element. According to McKay that stretch of Tienken Road used to be lined with sugar maple trees.

“This is just another chance for us to be accurate in everything we do,” McKay said. “It’s fun to mix nature with historical interpretation.”

To be a certified member of the , Parks and Forestry Operation Manager Gerry Lee explained that one of the requirements is they must hold a tree planting ceremony. Lee was pleased they had such a beautiful day for the event.

Helping to plant the tree was Girl Scout troop No. 71593 of . Girl Scout troop leader Rebecca Yatooma, said the girls were happy to be involved and always try to lend a hand in any way they can. This particular event tied in nicely with the girls learning about bettering the environment.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett and Councilmember Michael Webber were present at the event.

“I’m very proud of the work the forestry department is doing by really recognizing the role that the trees play in our community … helping improve our quality of life,” Barnett said.

Shortly after Lee spoke and Barnett helped introduce the planting of the tree, shovels were passed out to the Girl Scouts, Barnett and Webber. After the tree was officially planted a plaque was posted on the tree and everyone in attendance was given a seedling so they could go home and plant their own. “Everyone that attends leaves with a seedling and we hope that further extends the role and impact trees have in our community,” Barnett said.