What a difference a week can make. Last Friday, Great Bend was inches deep in rain from an all day shower. This week, its sunny skies and perfect weather for planting a tree. That’s exactly what Lincoln fifth-grader Natalie Williams did after school, with a little help from her friends on the Great Bend Tree Board, Vickie Berryman and Lisa Whipple.
The small gathering met at the Argonne Forest arboretum at Veteran’s Memorial Park shortly after school, where Williams was joined by Great Bend Mayor Mike Allison who congratulated her on her win of the 2015 Great Bend Tree Board poster contest.
Barton County Agricultural Extension Agent Alicia Boor and arborist Mike ... explained to Williams the proper depth to plant her chosen smoke tree. Once the tree was tucked into place, Mayor Allison signed a proclamation declaring April 29 as National Arbor Day in Great Bend. Thanks to the efforts of the Great Bend Tree Board, the city has been designated a Tree City USA for 33 consecutive years. This is also the fifth year the city has received the Growth award.