It takes dedication to climb out of bed on a chilly, damp morning in early January to go work outside with shovels and buckets. But when the motivation is to do something positive for the environment, a group of committed Mariettans make the effort.
They’re part of Marietta Tree Keepers, a nonprofit group that just marked its 10th year of making the Cobb County seat considerably greener. Volunteers work hardest during the cold winter months - the optimal time for tree planting - to pick up the slack the city can’t afford to get to in a timely manner.
The group grew out of an idea that struck Holly Walquist, a master gardener who liked what Trees Atlanta was doing to spruce up the intown area.
“I wanted to start a program like that in Marietta,” said Walquist. “We raise money through fundraisers and campaigns and work closely with the city to plant trees inside the city limits. We’ve planted around schools, along streets, in parks and even in the Kennesaw National Battlefield. In 10 years, we’ve probably planted close to 5,000 trees.”
The group has about 130 dues-paying members, but more than 300 volunteers are part of the crowd that gathers to work on projects every second Saturday from November through March. They often team up with school groups, Boy Scout or Girl Scout troops or civic organizations to blitz an area.
“Last year we planted twice at the battlefield and had about 250 helping us each time,” said Walquist. “If we’re putting in seedlings with 2- or 3-inch trunks, we can easily plant 2,500 in a few hours. The largest planting of big trees that we’ve done is 45 in one day.”
Depending on the site, the group may plant fairly large assortments of oak, pine or flowering trees. Whenever possible, they strive to use native varieties. During this month’s mass planting, 21 10-gallon ornamental and oak trees were added along a fence that separates Whitaker Park on the city’s east side from an adjacent neighborhood. For that project, the volunteers got a bit of assistance.
“Because we were planting in the park, the city went in with tractors and pre-dug most of the holes, so we didn’t have to make a lot of big holes ourselves,” said Walquist. “And with the turnout we had, it only took about two hours.”
This year, Walquist hopes to expand the group’s outreach beyond public projects.
“I’d like to start getting into neighborhoods,” she said. “It would be great if people could apply for grants through us, and then we could help them plant trees in front of their properties.”
The next planting event is scheduled for Feb. 9 at the Kennesaw Battlefield, and volunteers are welcome. Equipment is supplied. Information: 770-424-4664, mariettaga.gov/city/cityhall/committees/treekeepers.
Each Saturday, we shine a spotlight on a local neighborhood, city or community. To suggest a place for us to visit, e-mail H.M. Cauley at hm_cauley@yahoo.com or call 404-514-6162.
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