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Arbor Fest planning advances as local donor offers funds and demos planned
Summary
Harbor Springs Tree Board confirmed speakers and activities for Arbor Fest, discussed safety and volunteer plans, and received a pledge of financial support from local donor Mark Johansson to help fund demonstrations and equipment.
The Harbor Springs Tree Board advanced logistics for its annual Arbor Fest at the April 17 meeting, lining up a history presentation, hands-on demonstrations and volunteer staffing while confirming initial sponsorship support.
A presentation on local forest history and the value of urban canopy will be given by Molly Baker; the board also discussed demonstrations such as pruning and chainsaw demonstrations, climbing displays and lumbering tools for family-friendly programming. Members emphasized safety and said they will run proposed demonstrations past the police chief and coordinate safety plans in advance.
Funding and equipment: board members reported that Mark Johansson agreed to contribute money to the event and offered to purchase a two-man saw for demonstration use. A member summarized that Johansson "said that he's going to look at the checkbook and we'll get $50 to $500 from him," and the board discussed using donated funds to buy demonstration equipment and supplies.
Volunteer and materials planning: the group confirmed outreach to Key Club and other volunteers to staff seedling distribution and activities. They discussed ordering seedlings (seedlings vs. saplings), arranging a flyer, organizing food purchases (Gordon Food Service), and arranging banner placement with DPW using sandbags or other anchors for tents.
Next steps: the board assigned tasks to order trees and seedlings, confirm speakers and volunteers, prepare the flyer and finalize procurement of supplies and food. Members said they will coordinate with DPW and with event volunteers to ensure safety equipment and site set-up meet city requirements. The board will reconvene with updates and final logistics prior to the event date.
No permits, vendor contracts or event dates beyond planning notes were finalized in this meeting; the board left several items (exact budget and demonstration leads) as follow-ups.
