A GREAT ARBOR DAY, AND THE FIRST HUMMINGBIRD OF SPRING

BAYFIELD SCHOOL 4TH GRADE CLASS AND THE ARBOR DAY TREE

BIG CROWD FOR THE GARDEN TALK RADIO SHOW

Saturday, 9:00 AM.  33 degrees F at the ferry dock, 32 on the back porch.  Wind NNW, with strong gusts.  The sky is overcast and cloudy, the humidity 66%.  The balrometer stands at 30.07" and is steady.  We got a trace of rain last night, which froze on the decks.  A few desultory snow flakes are falling.  Hope my tomatoes didn't get nipped.

   Yesterday was a busy day that started out with the annual Arbor Day tree planting and celebration at 9:00 AM.  The Bahyfield School fourth grade class helped plant the tree.  The new mayor read the Arbor Day proclamation, and State Urban Forestry Coordinator Don Kissinger taught proper tree planting. Jay Cblick of Jay's Tree Care helped plant the good-sized sugar maple on the Old Courthouse (now Park Service) grounds. The tree was dedicated to David Burst, an employee of Jay's Tree Care who was a great tree planter and wonderful man, who died last spring of cancer.

   Next was Garden Talk Radio Show, with both audience and call-in garden questions, hosted by the ever-popular Larry Miellor. Myself, Don Kissinger and Agriculture Agent Jason Fishbach answered questions.

   Then I, Jay and his small crew set out and planted the City's twelve new trees for 2016.  Not many trees, but enough for the smallest city in Wisconsin to plant; we continue to plant more trees than we remove in any given year so we are staying ahead of the game.  

   It's time for me to pass the volunteer City Forester job on to someone new.  I have been doing it for a dozen years and with a new mayor we need some new ideas and new enthusiasm.  Come to think of it, it is the longest I have had any job, paid or unpaid.

   All told, it was a great Arbor Day.
   News Flash!  Just saw a hummingbird at the feeder, couldn't see if it was a male. Anyway, right on time!