Holly scouts assist in Arbor Day tradition

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Members of Pack 43 helped vill...

HOLLY, Michigan – Despite the cold temps and spotty rain, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Pack 43 didn’t disappoint on Friday as they followed through on their promise to help Village Manager Jerry Walker plant a tree at Lakeside Park in honor of Arbor Day.

“The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872,” Walker said. “J. Sterling Morton, a pioneer and a journalist, born in Michigan but living in Nebraska, promoted the idea of a ‘Tree Planting Holiday’ to reduce erosion, create windbreaks, and provide welcome shade from the hot sun.”

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Village Manager, Jerry Walker ...

Walker said the original village resolution to take part in yearly tree plantings dates back to 1971. “Today is a good day to remember the importance of trees, and how they are continually a renewable resource for us,” he added.

Joining Walker and several other village and township officials was Oakland County Commissioner Bob Hoffman. Hoffman took a moment to share his thoughts on the day, and its significance to the Holly community.

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Oakland County Commissioner Bo...

“It’s quite interesting to think that the first Arbor Day was celebrated in 1872 – well before anyone had given much thought to erosion or conservation,” Hoffman said. “It’s wonderful that the Holly community continues this fine tradition of planting a tree every year.”

Taking a couple shovelfuls of dirt each, the scouts made it official, planting this year’s Cleveland pear tree provided by Haddon Nursery of Fenton.