In honor of its 100th anniversary, Alta Greenhouse donates 100 trees to Mansfield
The City of Mansfield Shade Tree Commission has received a donation of 100 trees from Alta Florist and Greenhouse in honor of the business's 100th anniversary, Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker said Wednesday.
Owners Josh Maurer and Michael Henry serve as members of the commission. Maurer has served for 17 years and Henry, for 18 years.
Throughout their tenures, they have volunteered countless hours to residents and the city, the mayor said in a news release. They have worked with other commission members to host bi-yearly public education meetings, planned education in the schools, coordinated the annual Arbor Day Celebration, developed a “walking arboretum” along the bike trail, and countless other tasks — all in some very lean years, with no budget and when it was reinstated a very minimal budget, the mayor said.
Knowing the need to replace trees and recognizing that due to budget restraints, trees had to be removed could not be replaced, they wanted to donate the 100 trees to commemorate Alta’s 100-year anniversary, according to the news release. The business is at 935 S. Home Road.
Thanks to their generosity, the Clearfork Reservoir Campaign, which suffered significant devastation in the campgrounds from 2022 tornadoes will receive 10 burr oak and 20 London plane trees to aid in the replacement program. The trees will be planted by Lexington Scout Troop No. 152 with the assistance of leaders and staff of Clearfork.
The remaining 70 trees include 30 crabapple and 40 purple leaf flowering plum to be planted in various spots throughout the city that require replacement trees. The Rotary Club of Mansfield has volunteered to plant the trees as a project for the 27th annual Earth Stewardship Celebration, and as one of their service projects. Several years ago, these same members planted six trees in Central Park as part of their 100-year anniversary.
“The donation of 100 trees with a total value of $15,259 by Alta totally took us by surprise," Theaker said in the news release. "Alta has been so very generous with donations in the past, and Mr. Maurer and Mr. Henry’s service on the commission has been invaluable. It is because of their commitment, along with other members of the commission, we have been able to maintain our Tree City USA status for 28 years.
"Not only have they donated these beautiful trees, but also have taken on more hours of volunteering as they will be marking the locations for the trees to be planted. This coordinated effort and their generosity to the City of Mansfield is greatly appreciated. The City of Mansfield accepts this donation with sincere gratitude and look forward to joining Alta when they officially celebrate 100 years of service to our community in August.”
LWhitmir@gannett.com
419-521-7223
Twitter: @LWhitmir
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Honoring 100th anniversary, Alta Greenhouse donates 100 trees to city
