Mary Ann Wordell, Fall River's Street Tree Planting coordinator, oversaw the successful planting of twelve Sophora japonica Regent trees (commonly call Scholar trees) on the traffic circle at the end of McGowan Street on May 14, 2011. Several teams, including experienced tree stewards, worked to get the 15' trees properly planted so they will provide a ring of shade for the area in future years. Working in conjunction with United Parish of Fall River, First Congregational Church and the City of Fall River, Wordell was able to secure a grant from the Mass ReLeaf Ministry. The Ministry offers local religious organizations, working in coordination with their respective municipalities and other local organizations, unique opportunities to lead real, hands-on tree-planting projects to improve the quality of their shared environment and enhance the lives of thousands of citizens living in population centers across Massachusetts. Click here for the video of the event. Click here for photos of an Arbor Day event in North Park. For more information about the Street Tree Planting program, contact Mary Ann Wordell at 508-679-8887. (YouTube video courtesy of Patrick Mulgrew)
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(Top row, left) Mary Shotwell of First Congregational Church works with tree stewards Cliff Morrell, Jr. and Donna Morrell to dig a hole for planting. (Top row, center and right) Ed Sousa, Tom Athearn, Victoria Carlos and Claudia Sousa work on planting one of the trees. (Bottom row) John Sylvia of the Niagara Neighborhood Association works with Louise Kaczynski, tree steward, and Ron Desmarais from United Parish of Fall River to plant one of the trees