Colusa, CA (MPG) – In the early 20th century, planting trees became a symbol of goodwill and friendship for Rotary International founder Paul Harris.
Now, more than 100 years later, the Rotary Club of Colusa is observing the tradition by planting 100 trees in the City of Colusa by 2025, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the local club.
In a special partnership, the Colusa Park, Recreation and Tree Commission and Colusa Rotary Club are gearing up to begin the fall planting of a variety of trees.
Colusa Rotary Past President Antonio Ortiz said the club, which has already provided about 40 trees to homeowners in the city during the first rounds of planting, hopes the club can pay for and plant as many as 30 or 40 trees per year until the club reaches its goal.
“Our focus is primarily city streets and making our streets have more shade,” Ortiz said.
The Park, Recreation and Tree Commission has a list of appropriate trees, which is available on the city’s website. Applications for property owners to have a tree planted will open Sept. 1 and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability of the preferred tree and funding. Appropriate ornamental and shade trees can cost $100 or more, depending on the tree, with the Rotary Club budgeting about $3,000 a year for the program.
“Planting will be in early November,” said Tree Commissioner Cynthia White.
The Tree Commission is also seeking input for the placement of trees on public property, particularly in city parks. They encourage people to consider having a tree planted in public spaces as a memorial to a loved one. Donations can be made to the Rotary Club for the purchase of memorial trees.
Trees recommended for planting include Chinese Pistachio, which can live 100 years, Blue Oak, Shumard Red Oak, Purple Pony Plum, and Aleppo Pine, among many others. All trees are great investments in property and neighborhoods, officials said.
This season, the Tree Commission is taking the Trees for Tomorrow program a step further by providing homeowners who have a tree planted in the city’s right-of-way with a complete guide to tree care.
“Without the proper care, a tree that should live 150 years may only live about 40 years,” White said.
The Colusa City Council has also been talking about trees and plan to update the city’s tree ordinance. City officials and the Rotary Club said they would consider providing and planting front yard trees, if the homeowner clears the planting through 811 (Before You Dig), pays a $25 planting fee, and signs a waiver.
Trees will not be provided for backyards, officials said.
For more information about fall tree planting, visit cityofcolusa.com. You can send a tax-deductible donation to Colusa Rotary, PO Box 205, Colusa, CA 95932 for the Trees for Tomorrow program.
Colusa Park, Recreation, and Tree Commission officials said planting trees is a long-term investment in the health and beauty of the community.
“What you plant today, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will enjoy,” White said.