From the December 1, 2011 edition of The Wayne Herald:
Local tree-planting project benfits people and wildlife
With age, all trees get old and outgrow their useful life.
At the local Izaak Walton chapter grounds northwest of Wayne, trees were starting to become a liability. Near the playgrounds and shelters, old trees were dropping dead limbs and causing other issues.
The chapter requested and received trees from the ReTree Nebraska group, thanks to Northeast District Forester Steve Rasmussen's help.
The primay goal of ReTree Nebraska is to work in partnership with people across Nebraska to foster the proper planting and maintenance of 1 million new trees by 2017.
Trees for the project were picked up at Lincoln's UNL Campus and planted on Nov. 14 by local Ike's member Scott Brummond and Forester Steve Rasmussen.
The following week, Ike's members Erin Eilers, B.J. Woehler, and Brummond and Logan Creek Pheasants Forever member Tim Reinhardt and his son Tyler - who is a member of the newly started local Youth Pheasants Forever group - watered and mulched the trees and placed tree guards around them. The tree gurads are to keep rabbits, deer, and beavers from damaging them this winter.
The trees planted this fall included Burr Oak, Gambel Oak, and a Kentucky Coffee Tree.
Long-range plans include planting more trees for a food source for wildlife or visitors to enjoy. These may include apple, cherry and pear trees, and possibly a walnut farm for long term benefits.
