Front Royal/Warren County Tree Stewards reflect on Arbor Day

Dear Editor,

Twenty years ago, on Arbor Day 2001, the Front Royal/Warren County Stewards “adopted” the Happy Creek Arboretum. For 20 years, the Tree Stewards have planted and labeled trees and shrubs, and planted perennials and bulbs to beautify the Arboretum. Throughout these 20 years we pruned, mulched, watered, sprayed, and fertilized these plants, thus saving the Town hundreds of dollars in man-hours. We also arranged to have installed dog refuse bag stations, a water fountain, an information Kiosk, and other amenities to make the Arboretum attractive to visitors.

From left to right: 2001’s Public Works Dir. George Shadman; Tree Stewards Secretary Kevin Flickinger, Tree Stewards President Mike Kenyon, Mayor Clay Athey, Town Manager Rick Anzolut, and Planning Director Kim Fogle.

Although the Tree Stewards have worked on many other Town and County projects throughout our 24-year existence, our work at Happy Creek Arboretum is our longest focus on a single project. We invite the public to visit the Arboretum and enjoy this beautiful spot within the Town.

A. Joan Brubaker, Tree Steward
Warren County, Virginia