Spring is a season to celebrate trees, but the town of Holly Springs focuses year-round on growing knowledge about trees and an appreciation of their importance to the community.
North Carolina celebrates Arbor Day in March. Because of COVID, the town is planning a scaled-down, socially distanced event on Saturday, March 20, when a large-species tree will be planted in the northwest corner of Ting Park where people traveling N.C. 55 can see it easily.
Also for Arbor Day, new tree identification signs will go up along the trail around Bass Lake. Fifteen signs for species such as bald cypress, longleaf pine, and flowering dogwood will be installed on posts along the mulch trail. The signs will include information to help people identify the species. The ribbon-cutting for the “Tree ID Hike” is expected on March 20, along with other socially-distanced festivities.
“I want people to know how many different species of trees grow naturally in North Carolina and here in town,” said Rachel Woods, chair of the town’s Tree Advisory Committee (TAC).
Colin Frazer of Troop 202 is organizing volunteers in his troop to install the signs for his Eagle Scout project.
“This project will help to educate the public about the importance of native trees so that more of such trees are planted around town,” Frazer said.
The signs will have QR codes linking to websites that park visitors can go to for more information. Also, a tree-themed backpack will now be added to the seven backpacks that Bass Lake Park visitors can check out for free. The backpack has tree identification cards, a tree card game, books about trees, and a tree bandana printout game. Among the other loaner backpacks are those for studying rocks and fossils, birds, and aquatic life. The tree identification signs and backpack are part of the TAC’s educational efforts, which are a focus of the committee’s mission. Over time, the TAC hopes to expand the signs beyond Bass Lake Park to other locations in Holly Springs.
Holly Springs is one of the state’s newest “tree cities,” having received Tree City USA recognition last year. The town earned the designation by establishing the Tree Advisory Committee (TAC), observing Arbor Day, enacting an ordinance for care of trees on public property, and establishing a community forestry program.
Cheryl Caines, a Town planner, said the TAC serves as residents’ representatives on tree issues.
“They’re the people talking to their neighbors,” she said, adding that tree preservation and protection tends to increase in importance as a community grows.
Woods said people should be proud of the work that is underway to protect existing trees and expand the canopy.
“Tree Advisory Committee members are community volunteers who are really passionate about trees, and the town is really committed to tree care,” she said. “It’s been a good working relationship.”
Trees absorb traffic noise and increase privacy. The shade they provide cools our houses, reducing energy costs. Trees also provide protection from soil erosion while enhancing property values.
Street trees is another focus area for the TAC. In 2019, the town planted dogwoods and redbuds along two streets where there were no such trees. For this year’s plantings, the town is responding to residents’ requests.
“Ultimately, the street tree canopy depends on citizens being willing to take care of the trees in front of their property,” Woods said, noting the TAC’s educational efforts on tree care. “We want them to reach out when they need help. That’s what we’re here for.”
A goal of the street tree project is to increase the overall health of the street tree canopy in Holly Springs by replacing unhealthy trees with species that are better adapted for placement along streets and sidewalks.
“I think we can stay in town and see the trees,” Woods said. “They need to be a part of the town.”
