Editor’s note: Whiteside County Soil & Water Conservation District has 17 varieties of trees for fall planting. They are for sale through Friday, September 16, 2022. Call 815-772-2124.
Wednesday, September 7, 2022, was the day four shade producers were planted at the City of Morrison Bark Park, on N. Genesee Street, Morrison, IL.
Karla Burn, of On the Move with Parks and Recreation (OTM) Committee, took the photo of a Northern Pin Oak about 8:00 a.m., before the Editor arrived. Burn stated, “The Morrison Garden Club planted and donated four trees to the On the Move with Parks and Recreation Committee, for the Morrison Bark Park. OTM would like to sincerely thank Morrison Garden Club for their donation and support!” Pictured left-to-right are Vern Latwesen; Charla Olson holding Snickers; Mary Latwesen; Sharon Moore; Becky Brady; Jan Mayes.
Earlier that morning, Josh and Kelly West stopped to admire and assist. Three-of-four varieties were planted in the Big Dog Run, including the Northern Pin Oak above, a Princeton Sentry Ginko, and an October Glory Maple.
By 9:45, Vern Latwesen had completed planting the MN Strain Eastern Redbud in the Small Dog Run. Each tree was protected by fencing. Left-to-right are Jan Mayes; Becky Brady; Vern and Mary Latwesen; Sharon Moore.
Moore stated this Eastern Redbud has three branches. They will grow 20-30 feet tall and become 25 feet wide. “It will be a beautiful canopy, with purple flowers in the spring!”
The trees cost $500. One criteria for safe tree selection was that it not produce pods or seed balls that might choke a dog. Morrison Garden Club President Sharon Moore ordered five small trees on Monday, September 12, from Whiteside County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Amenities are in place at the Bark Park: signage; four cylinders that dispense dog-waste bags; three trash cans for dog-waste bags and human trash; three benches for human seating.
