We've all noted the loss of our beautiful trees in the four corner area with sorrow. Many of you have reached out to Beautify Pullman to see if we might work together to replace these trees. We want to try! Working with owners of the affected properties and supporters like you, we hope to succeed.
First, some history about our little town: the four corners area is part of a plat called Taylor's first addition. George K. Taylor, a Pullman businessman with shares in many early local businesses, had this property subdivided and sold each lot with an established tree on it. Some of the recently removed trees are believed to be over 100 years old, a very valuable part of our heritage.
The reason for their removal is, hopefully, progress. The Road Commission has received a grant to widen the streets and add turn lanes, crosswalks, curbs and improved drainage at the intersection of 56th Street and 109th Avenue. These are all worthy goals.
Still, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, "Healthy trees are key to the health of some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. They support wildlife and aquatic life by providing habitat and keep our waterways healthy. Trees help us by providing clean sources of drinking water, buffers against extreme weather, provide medicines, offer outdoor recreation and enrich human culture."
The benefits of trees in our community cannot be overstated. Leaves filter the air we breathe, give beauty to the landscape, provide homes to our feathered friends and fruits and nuts for us to eat.
Beautify Pullman will place donation jars in local businesses, accept donations and work with local landowners to replace what we have lost. The help you provide is, as always, deeply appreciated.