Medina plants 60 trees for Arbor Day

Photos by Tom Rivers – About 400 students from Oak Orchard Elementary School helped plant trees along West Avenue this morning in Medina.

MEDINA – The village celebrated Arbor Day this morning by planting trees, and welcoming elementary school students who sang songs about recycling.

The Medina Tree Board also honored Peggy Crowley, who recently retired as village clerk, with the “Friend of the Urban Forest” award.

“She made sure we got the funds we needed,” said Chris Busch, the Tree Board chairman.

Students sing a song, “Reuse Reduce Waste Recycle.”

He addressed 400 Oak Orchard Elementary students in front of 1018 West Ave., and told them trees are important for clean air, fighting erosion, improving water quality and making neighborhoods look better. Mayor Andrew Meier also read a proclamation, declaring “Arbor Day” in the village.

Medina is planting 60 trees this spring, with most of those on West Avenue and Park Avenue. Next week, the village Department of Public Works will remove some trees on Main Street and replace them with different varieties that Busch said will look and grow better. Some of the Main Street trees will be relocated to Butts Park.

The National Arbor Day Foundation has given Medina a “Tree City Growth Award” and has designated the community a “Tree City USA” for its commitment to planting trees every year.

Nicole Goyette, a Medina teacher and member of the Medina Tree Board, addresses 400 students in front of 1018 West Ave., where several trees were planted in the right-of-way.