Earth Week celebrated throughout Carlinville
Trees were planted on the Carlinville Square with the help of the City of Carlinville work crew, Kahl’s Greenhouse, and Tree City members. Pictured from left, are Alderman Bill Link, Carlinville Tree City members Lori Hopping, Tracy Bilbruck and Paul Mihalek stand next to a newly planted American Hornbeam Tree. Enquirer~Democrat photo by Erin Sanson.
By ERIN SANSON
Enquirer~Democrat Reporter
Carlinville celebrated Earth Week with special events around town.
Earth Week kicked off with a proclamation by Mayor Sarah Oswald dedicating the week of April 20-24 as Earth Week in Carlinville. The proclamation, which was read by Alderman Dick McClain in Oswald’s absence, was followed by remarks and information by and about Trees Forever.
Emily Ehley was present as the Trees Forever field coordinator for the Central an Southern Illinois region. Ehley provided general information on Trees Forever and information on new initiatives the organization is undertaking such as the Carbon Credit program.
Carlinville has been a Tree City for 20 years, a fact that Tree City Board members take pride in. It is also the first Bee City in Illinois. The Earth Week events involved information and activities, not only about trees and bees, but about renewable energy, native plants, and littering.
New trees were planted on the Carlinville Square on Tuesday, April 19. The trees replaced the Amur Maple trees on the East Side of the Carlinville Square. The maples were replaced by a Black Tupelo tree on the south side of the sidewalk and an American Hornbeam on the north.
The tree planting and Arbor Day proclamation were set to be held at the Square on April 20 at 5:30 p.m., but unfavorable weather changed the plans. Nine varieties of native trees and plants were given away after the proclamation reading for community members to plant in their yards.
On April 21, presentations were held at the Primary and Intermediate school about hummingbirds, electric cars, and native plants. Students were also taken for a nature walk, lunch, and an art activity at Loveless Park. A Tesla electric car was on display from 3 to 5 p.m. at MJM and from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Primary School.
Experts from Wabash Valley Power Alliance were present to answer energy questions.
On Friday, April 22, the Tesla stopped at the High School, where it was on display from 8 am.-1 p.m. Earth Week activities were held for high school and middle school students throughout the day.
On Saturday, Blackburn College held a Beautification Day on the Blackburn Campus from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at 2 p.m. began their Spring-Fest activities. The Carlinville Library held an Open House form 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. hosting free earth week activities for all ages.
Several events picking up trash were planned for April 24. The CHS Cross Country team plogged (picked up trash while jogging) at Beaver Dam, while 4-H groups plogged along Shipman Blacktop. Blackburn students picked up trash along Route 108 from Leefers Road to West County Line Road.
