Volunteers Needed to Plant White Pines in Chester Park

On Sunday, August 26th, the Alaska Wilderness League, in partnership with the City of Duluth will be planting 32 white pine trees in Chester Park. 

"The planting is a celebration of Tongess forests in Alaska," says Lois Norrgard, Upper Midwest Region Field Staff with the Alaska Wilderness League. "We are actually planting trees across the nation in honor of the 105th birthday of the Tongass National Forest."

The Alaska Wilderness League chose Duluth as one of the planting sites because of the number of trees the community lost in the June flash flood.

"It will be great to get these beautiful trees in Chester Park," states Judy Gibbs, Trail Coordinator, City of Duluth. "We lost so many of our big, mature trees. This project will help diversify the habitat in Chester."

The Tongass National Forest, at 17 million acres, is our nation’s largest national forest and the crown jewel of our national forest system. On September 10, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt created the Tongass National Forest by presidential proclamation in order to protect the forest and its wildlife for future generations to enjoy.

Volunteers are needed to assist in planting the 32 white pine trees.  This is an all ages, no experience necessary event.  Families, individuals and groups are invited to participate.  See event information below.

Date: Sunday, August 26th 
Time: 1:00 - 4:00pm
Meet Up Location: Chester Park at 1800 E Syline Parkway (meet at the playground)
What to Bring: Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves and spare shovels. Tools and equipment will be provided.

For more information, contact Cheryl Skafte, Volunteer Coordinator, City of Duluth at cskafte@duluthmn.gov or 218-393-9879.

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