A bi-annual tradition with the Jefferson Tree Committee continued Friday, as several more trees were planted in the residential area.

Close to 50 trees were planted in the public easements on Locust and Chestnut Streets, along with some near the Jefferson Rotary Centennial Dog Park of the Community Animal Shelter. Jefferson Tree Committee member Margaret Hamilton talked about why she likes being a part of the organization that helps to beautify the community.

“It’s actually my most fun volunteer activity. It’s really enjoyable. We really enjoy working with the kids and the Tree Committee itself is a really good organization and we work together really well. (Jefferson Trees Forever Coordinator) Brad Riphagen steers us, and the group is a really positive group, and I look forward to planting the trees every spring and every fall.”   

Hamilton explained that the eighth grade students from Greene County Middle School and instructor Conner Mueller helped this year to plant most of the trees. She said the partnership their organization has with the school district to have the students help with this effort has been amazing.

“It’s really fun working with the kids. They’re so enthusiastic, and they really enjoy it, and it really makes it a fun activity. I would encourage everybody to be a part of the Tree Committee and to come out and do it, because it is really fun.”

The Jefferson Tree Committee was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Alliant Energy Community Tree Planting Program and Trees Forever, along with some of the group’s funding to purchase the 49 trees.