Norcross Co-op Takes Part in Arbor Day

The city planted a tree last Saturday at the Norcross Cooperative Ministry as part of its second dose of Arbor Day.

Donated by ImageScapes in Duluth, a leafless oak tree was stuck in the ministry's ground last week and the city held a small ceremony Saturday to acknowledge not only the tree, but the holiday and importance of having trees.

"I thought this would be an exciting opportunity that we could do something for Norcross Ministries," said Tixie Fowler, downtown manager for the city.

Jack Lane, co-president of the ministry, said the city chose the co-op's grounds for the planting because of its plans to expand the ministry.

"We want this [area] to be a safe playground for the kids while their parents are inside," said Lane, referring to a patch of land next to the ministry's building. With certain parent-confidentiality meetings, he explained, it's better if children aren't in the same room as their parents, so a playground would help occupy children.

Fowler, city council member Charlie Riehm, and the ministry's volunteers crowded around to take part in the tree-planting ceremony.

Fowler and Riehm had a small teaching lesson on why trees are important, saying that its shade can carry temperatures 15 degrees lower than in sunlight. Similarly, outdoor trees can drop temperatures inside a home, too, dramatically affecting cooling bills. It also increases property value.

"We [look] at trees as sort of an ambience of our town, and hopefully this tree is going to contribute to that, as well," said Riehm.

The Co-Op also had free health screenings provided by medical members from Victory World Church.