Charles City residents invited to ‘Adopt-a-Tree’

To the Press

The Charles City Edible Arboretum is inviting the public to join in a unique opportunity to grow a tree or bush that can produce food, protection and shade for many years to come.

The Adopt-a-Tree program is a collaboration with the city of Charles City, Charles City Community Revitalization, and the Charles City Garden Corridor Committee (Clark Street Community Gardens, Clark and First Rain Garden.)

The group is seeking individuals and families to “adopt a tree” for The Clark Street Edible Arboretum, an edible landscape across Clark Street from the community gardens, between Immaculate Conception School, Second Avenue and Clark Street.

The planting date is set for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 19, at the arboretum. May 26 is the rain date. Anyone who chooses to adopt a tree is asked to come that day to plant the tree, sing to it to help it grow, and mulch around it to help keep the soil moist.

The primary goal of this project is to grow trees and bushes that produce fruits and nuts that are “free for the picking” to the community and to help demonstrate ways to incorporate gardening and edible landscape into yards or spaces.

Individuals will purchase the tree or bush, plant it on the scheduled day, and tend to it throughout at least one growing season by checking on it, picking any weeds or grass that may have grown through the mulch, and watering it when needed.

The project will take place in two phases within two years. Phase 1, in the spring this year, will include tree plantings, mulching, tree signage and pollinator habitat establishment. Phase 2, starting in the spring of 2019, will include permeable walkways, seating, entryway signage and outdoor classroom area.

More than 30 different species of trees and shrubs, mostly edible, will make their home at this location. Community members are invited to adopt a tree by purchasing a tree or bush from the group’s species list. One can name one’s tree or bush, plant it in memory of someone, or just have fun planting it.

Mulch, shovels, buckets for watering, a temporary name stake and peat will all be provided, and volunteers will be available to help.

For more information on how to adopt a tree, contact Wendy Johnson at 641-228-1583 or email 207wendy@gmail.com.