Lexington’s 30th annual Arbor Day celebration included a tree planting ceremony on Monday. Community members gathered at the village square and watched as a Malus Praire Fire Tree was planted in honor of village resident, Ed Harpster. Harpster will turn 100 years old June 4.
Mayor Eugene Parkison welcomed guests, including, members of the tree commission and village council, fourth grade students of Central Elementary School, and other community members. He noted that the tree planting was made possible through the donation of local Modern Woodmen of America.
“Planting trees is an important way to create a secure future for families, communities, and the environment,” said Timothy Hilterman, certified financial planner of Modern Woodmen, in a press release.
For 29 years, Lexington has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. A press release states that the village achieved this by meeting four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Village Administrator Aaron Wiegand shared a bit of history regarding the first Arbor Day, noting that after J. Sterling Morton moved from Detroit to Nebraska, he organized a tree-planting day, which became known as “Arbor Day” in 1872. On that first Arbor Day, Wiegand said, there was an estimated one million trees planted throughout the state. He said that it wasn’t until the 1900s when other states started celebrating Arbor Day, which is typically recognized the fourth Friday of the month.
“We appreciate the day, but more importantly it’s all about taking care of the trees, taking care of our woodlands, and taking care of the nature that is here in Lexington and Richland County,” Wiegand said.
Harpster commenced the planting of the Malus Praire Fire. His granddaughters, Central Elementary students, and other members of the community also helped with the planting.
Having served on a number of committees and commissions over the years, Harpster has become a much beloved member of the community. His daughters, Debb Underwood and Dolores Jones, expressed their fondness of their father. “He’s a remarkable man,” Underwood said. And he’s still as sharp as a tack—they said that despite his age, he remembers many details, some of which they couldn’t even recollect.
Harpster appreciated the ceremony and said, “I think it was wonderful. I was so surprised; I didn’t know a thing about it.”
Harpster said he moved to Lexington in 1936. “I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years,” he said. He pointed to Plymouth Street, noting that the street used to be all gravel.
“I’m proud to be a part of it,” he said speaking of the village.
He gave a last piece of advice, stating, “You know you only go around life once, so enjoy it. The main thing is to be good to yourself, and you’ll take care of it.”
