Tree planting seminar at Sunset Park Oct. 27

Washington area residents will be able to learn the proper way to plant a tree in the yard on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 9 a.m. in Sunset Park in Washington. Interested residents can gather at the dog park parking lot in Sunset Park.

The educational demonstration will take place with the assistance from Emily Swihart from Trees Forever, the Washington Park Board and Park Superintendent Nick Pacha. This will provide hands-on lesson where volunteers learn about how trees provide us with so many benefits- from cleaning out air, water and soil to helping homeowners save energy and money.

Instruction will include placement of the tree, staking if needed, placement of mulch, and protection from deer and rabbits with a wire barrier. Following the demonstration of a couple of trees, those attending can assist in the planting of 11 additional trees in Sunset Park and at eight trees at Water Tower Park. Four trees will be planted at North Park by Stewart School.

A grant was received from Branching Out for $2,436, the Washington Tree Committee for $200 and $600 from the Parks Budget to purchase 50 trees. Twenty-five trees will be planted in the spring and are mostly evergreen trees.

Branching Out is funded through Alliant Energy and Trees Forever.

'Thanks to Branching Out, we are literally planting a better environment while making Washington healthier, more vibrant and more energy-efficient,” said local project volunteer Don Pfeiffer. Contact Don with plans to attend by calling 319-653-4912.