Stow City commission sets April EarthFest date, discusses tree giveaways and inventory needs

Stow City’s Urban Forestry Commission confirmed April 25, 10 a.m.–noon at Del Durbin as the date for EarthFest and began planning giveaways, planting demonstrations and equipment needs at its Nov. 10 meeting.

“April 25,” Speaker 7 said when the date was raised; Speaker 2 noted prior challenges with weather and banner hardware and proposed taking an inventory of display materials ahead of the event. Members agreed that, if items were missing, they would order replacements with sufficient lead time. Speaker 9 recommended an inventory and cataloging of what the commission already owns.

Discussion turned to tree giveaways and Arbor Day planting. Speaker 7 said the commission might be short on planting sites in the park and suggested Del Durbin as an alternative; Speaker 4 and Speaker 2 discussed replacing a white oak at Oregon Trail for Arbor Day.

Commissioners discussed sourcing nursery stock, noting Meeser Farms as a liner nursery option and the need to order well in advance. Speaker 4 said the nursery catalog used by a past coordinator (Sue) will be circulated so members can select species; the commission agreed to reach consensus by the holiday gathering so orders could be placed months ahead.

Members recounted past giveaways of roughly 300 small pots and noted leftover stock after prior events; species mentioned included white pine and sugar maple. The commission asked staff to send top recommendations from the catalog and plan to inspect stored materials.

No formal decisions to purchase stock were recorded at the meeting; commissioners agreed to follow up with catalog recommendations, conduct an inventory of banners and canopies, and finalize giveaway choices at upcoming gatherings.