Franklin City plants ‘Liberty Tree’ and plans expanded fall-festival outreach

Committee members recapped the city’s Arbor Day event and heard plans to expand outreach at the fall festival.

The committee reported the Arbor Day event took place at the amphitheater (the transcript references the 25th or the 26th) and that the group planted a "Liberty Tree," an elm. The mayor proclaimed the city for Arbor Day and for Tree City USA recognition; the committee thanked Steve Brown and the Boy Scouts for flags and music. Committee members said the four trees planted so far are "doing okay."

Parks staff told the committee they had earmarked $1,000 in the parks marketing budget to upgrade the fall-festival booth, including purchasing a branded tent that will read "Franklin trees," themed table covers, literature and interactive materials, and possibly tree saplings to hand out. Parks staff also said they were preparing five new Tree City USA signs and would place a Tree City USA flag at the amphitheater. Parks staff said they expect materials to be ready by the committee’s August meeting.

Why it matters: the outreach is intended to raise community awareness of urban-forest stewardship and of the committee’s role in managing city-owned trees. The committee plans to staff the festival booth from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the festival date and requested volunteers to cover the hours.

The transcript lists Chip as a source of literature and other materials; committee members discussed offering coloring pages for children to encourage engagement.

No formal decisions or budget appropriations beyond the parks staff earmark were made at this meeting.