The normal serenity and solitude of Andersonville National Cemetery was broken by the sound of chain saws and chippers on April 28th.
In celebration of National Park Week and National Arbor Day, the Georgia Arborists Association, together with members of the Southern Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, held a work day in the park on the day after Arbor Day. The group brought 30 certified arborists to the cemetery to remove diseased and dead limbs from 20 trees. Each tree had been assessed during the winter months to determine what work was the highest priority. The goal was to remove any hazardous limbs that could threaten visitors and to remove limbs that could cause deterioration of the trees. The arborists brought their own lift and tree handling equipment and organized themselves into six crews. The value of their work was calculated to be in excess of $40,000. Some of the volunteers came from as far away as Kentucky, Mississippi and North Carolina.
Two master arborists were on hand to make specific recommendations on treatment for trees that had been struck by lightning, and provided technical assistance to park maintenance staff on tree care and planting. The group also donated several dogwood trees and longleaf pines for planting.
At 11:30 that day, members of the group assembled to plant a five-year-old willow oak tree adjacent to the National Prisoner of War Museum. An honor guard from Fort Benning assisted with the ceremony. There were about 60 visitors on hand for the tree planting. Each of the volunteers assisted with the planting.
The Georgia Arborists Association adopted Andersonville this year after the National Arborists Association did the same for Arlington National Cemetery. Both were done as a service to veterans. The Friends of Andersonville supported the event by providing food, drinks and refreshments for the tree workers.
“We are proud to be able to assist the National Park Service in preserving the beautiful historic trees in the park and national cemetery,” said Eric Gansauer, organizer of the event. “These wonderful trees are a part of the ambience of this hallowed place.”
“The park has always enjoyed the support of our volunteers, but this group brought to the park a very special set of skills,” said Fred Boyles, the park’s superintendent. “We are especially grateful for what they have done to help us preserve these resources.”
