Master Gardeners celebrate America's 250th birthday

NORWALK — A new Swamp White Oak tree that began its life in Oregon will spread shade over Shady Lane Memorial Park in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States. Members of Huron County Master Gardeners gathered Saturday morning at the park on Shady Lane Drive for the ceremonial event to mark America's semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Russell White, a Master Gardener who was in charge of obtaining the tree and getting it into the ground at Norwalk's southside park, noted that marking America's independence from England as a democratic republic is important for many reasons and planting a tree is a good way to do so. "Trees can last for a hundred or more years, sometimes 200," White said. "We won't be here — but our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be, and can enjoy this tree and this place." The Swamp White Oak typically grows 50 to 60 feet tall with a spread equal to its height, offering plenty of shade beneath. The tree planted at the Shady Lane park is already about 15 feet tall and came from Oregon to a nursery in Orrville, Ohio, where White drove to get it. The species is popular and can be seen locally at St. Paul Cemetery, Maplehurst School's north field side and at the west side of Pleasant School's playground, among many other places. "It's just a lovely tree and will be a good addition to the park," White said. The local Master Gardeners chapter, which functions under the auspices of Ohio State University Extension, will be adding an "America's 250th" commemorative plaque to the tree site, he added.