Project 350 continued to take root on Saturday as volunteer tree enthusiasts planted 14 trees in the playground and shelter area of Lake Storey Park. With 50 trees installed this spring, the five-year initiative aimed at planting 350 trees on Galesburg terraces and in city parks is on track.
Acting on a request made to the City Park Department by the Galesburg Heritage Days group for replacing a large number of ash trees lost in their event space, a variety of species was selected from area nurseries. Bur oaks, swamp white oak, American dream oak, pin oak, tulip, London plane tree, patriot elm, lacebark elm, bald cypress, and American hornbeam were chosen for their longevity, and larger, shade-providing canopies.
Volunteers from the Galesburg Lions Club, Sunrise Rotary, the Galesburg Tree Commission, and the community at large completed the plantings in two hours. Saturday’s event highlights the community’s Heart & Soul values of furthering a positive town image and giving citizens things to do. Individuals or groups interested in joining Project 350 or other civic-minded activities can contact Tom Simkins, Special Projects Coordinator, at 309-299-6959.