Little Hands, Big Impact

special by Roving Correspondent Kammie Kayl

The Eastern Redbud Tree: Cercis Canadensis

The Rutland Garden Club was delighted to sponsor an outstanding Arbor Day event that took place Friday, May 2nd, bringing the spirit of tree appreciation to the enthusiastic members of the Rutland Boys and Girls Club, about 20 kids, ages 5 to 14.

Amid coloring pages, insect ID cards, magnifiers and temporary tattoos, the members of the Boys and Girls Club had the chance to learn directly from Rutland's very own City Forester, Tim Smith and his assistant, Joseph Epler.

Rutland City Forester Tim Smith and his Assistant, Joseph Epler spoke to the kids.

Mr. Smith spoke about the vital role trees play in our urban environment, explaining how these leafy giants contribute to clean air and water, provide shade, support wildlife, and make our city a more beautiful and enjoyable place to live.

“Someday, you could be a city forester,” Mr. Smith said, highlighting his career track as being something very attainable for many in the audience.

Pointing to the forestry and natural science programs at Stafford Technical Center, Castleton College and UVM, he explained with training and focus, this could be a position that they could hold one day.

Eastern Red Bud Saplings that we helped the kids plant.

After Mr. Smith spoke, the girls and boys all got the opportunity to get their hands dirty planting an actual tree to take home – a young sapling of an Eastern Red Bud.

Members of the Rutland Garden Club helped the little hands plant their trees.

We showed them some practical tips and tricks regarding planting depth, soil quality and nutrients, and how to care for the trees with water and sunlight. The kids were very engaged and interested and did a great job.

Rutland proudly holds its title as a "Tree City" – a designation from the Arbor Day Foundation that we've maintained for an impressive 32 years, thanks to our community's ongoing commitment to urban forestry!

At the Rutland Garden Club, our hearts are truly engaged in beautifying our city. Fostering this appreciation with the next generation is key to this mission.

That’s why, in addition to our High School Scholarship and helping kids create gardens at Friday Night Live, events like this Arbor Day celebration with the City Forester are incredibly special.

A huge thank you to Tim Smith for sharing his expertise and inspiring the kids, and to the Rutland Boys and Girls Club for hosting us. We loved seeing the children's curiosity and excitement about trees!

Sowing seeds for tree stewardship with information that helps kids learn and understand why trees are beneficial to cities.

The kids loved using the temporary tattoos, bug ID cards, magnifiers, stickers and more fun nature tools.

The kids were engaged and listening to the Rutland City Forester speak about the importance of urban canopies.