Pec Rotary Club, youth plant trees in Sumner Park     

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Gazette
Youth from Seward Determination 4-H, Pecatonica FFA, and several Scout Troops learned the basics of tree planting April 29, with 16 trees being planted in Sumner Park.

Pecatonica Rotary has recently led a project in Pecatonica, which resulted in 16 trees being planted in Sumner Park on Saturday, April 29. Youth from Seward Determination 4-H, Pecatonica FFA, and several Scout Troops learned the basics of tree planting and care, and had hands on experience planting. Tom Walsh, representing the Illinois Forestry Association and Extension Master Naturalist, provided support for the project.

At the end of the planting, each youth helper received a copy of Trees of Illinois Field Guide, compliments of Pecatonica Rotary.

Each year, Rotary Clubs are able to receive grant funds from their district and Rotary International to support local projects.

District 6420 provided matching funds to the local club, which were used to purchase 16 red oaks, swamp white oaks, hackberry and birch trees, which were place around the park.

The grant also covered the cost of the water bags and strapping to support each trees, as well as other items needed for the project.

“We are grateful to the Rotary Club for providing trees for our parks,” stated Kim Gipe, President of the Park District Board, “and we appreciate their support and partnership.”

Pecatonica Rotary meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month at noon at the Pecatonica Library.

For more information about joining, please see the Facebook page: Pecatonica Rotary Club #3085 District 6420.