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Ashland, Northland College celebrate Arbor Day

May 4, 2011

Ashland’s shorefront was once the hub of economic activity in the region, but much has changed since the days when timber, ore, and other resources were processed or shipped. Today, there's a walking trail where train tracks once ran, and playgrounds where sawmills once sat. This year the shoreland will see additional changes as a partnership of the City of Ashland, Ashland County Land and Water Conservation Department, the WI Department of Natural Resources, Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area, and Northland College will work together to plant white pines and other native trees along two areas of Ashland’s post-industrial waterfront.

Mayor Whalen will commence Ashland’s Shoreland Restoration project by declaring Friday, May 13 as Ashland’s Arbor Day at 1 p.m. at Bayview Park.

Volunteer youth from the Northland College Lake Superior Youth Symposium will be present throughout the day helping with various aspects of the project as a part of their service learning experience.

Plant your own tree seedling into a pot. A limited quantity of northern seedling species are available to public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Planting instructions and a promise to plant affidavit will be included.

There will also be a sign-up form for future volunteer opportunities to participate in shoreland restoration, and help beautify Ashland’s shoreland.

This project is made possible by a US EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Northland College.