NEWS

(l to r) George Gabel. President, Pines Nature Organization (PNO); Stuart McEachern, Assistant Director of Plant Services for The Pines; Pete Grisewood, Davidson Town Arborist; Vernon Baker, President/CEO, The Pines at Davidson; Robert Alexander, Associate Pastor, Davidson College Presbyterian Church; and Ginger Johnson. Co-chair of PNO Arbor Day Committee.

Friday, April 30 was National Arbor Day and members of the Pines Nature Organization (PNO) were able to gather outside for the first time since the pandemic to plant a tree to honor those residents that were lost during this past year. The event was organized by PNO President, George Gabel, and Eric and Ginger Johnson, co-chairs of the Arbor Day committee who decided they wanted to commemorate Arbor Day to memorialize the friends that they lost during the pandemic. Inspired by a newly planted tree they saw out at Abersham Park, George and Eric drove three hours to a nursery in Fuquay-Varina so they could pick up the tree they wanted, a Sequoia sempervirens (aka California Redwood).  After approaching the staff at the Pines, they got the go ahead for the event and borrowed a pickup truck from TreesDavidson so they could make their road trip to the Panther Creek Nursery to pick up their tree.,

The tree was planted on Friday in a prominent place near the gazebo on Azalea Court. Town Arborist, Pete Griswold, was invited to talk about their special tree and share some thoughts about Arbor Day. Rev. Robert Alexander shared a prayer with the group in memory of those lost and Assistant Director of Plant Services for The Pines, Stuart McEachern, made sure the tree was planted properly. Also joining the group was the new President/CEO of The Pines, Vernon Baker, who happens to be a fellow tree lover.

Next time you’re out at The Pines be sure to pay a visit to this newest addition and remember all those past and present who helped make our world a better place.