LEXINGTON — By next fall, a black gum tree in Lexington’s Patriot Park will bloom scarlet and orange leaves overlooking the village’s soccer fields.
The village’s parks department, Mayor Bob Jarvis and the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District gathered Thursday to honor Bob Donaldson’s volunteer service with the RSWCD.
Donaldson was chosen the district’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year. He began volunteering last year as a precipitation monitor.
“It’s unusual that a first-year volunteer is chosen as Volunteer of the Year, but Bob was a natural choice,” said Theresa Sutter, who manages the RSWCD volunteer program.
“We got to talking and he said he’d like to be involved in some other ways, come to find out he’s a whiz at spreadsheets. He helped clean up some existing paperwork and created new spreadsheets that we needed. He’s also organized some precipitation training events and volunteered at special events.
“I can’t say enough good about all the help he’s offered us and really going above and beyond. He’s been instrumental in many projects.”
Sutter said the district has about 71 volunteers who have collectively logged about 2,300 hours in the 2024 calendar year so far.
The Volunteer of the Year gets to choose the municipality or public place to plant the tree in honor of their award.
“I wanted it to be planted in Lexington, and the village chose the spot here,” Donaldson said. “It’s obviously a great honor to be recognized as Volunteer of the Year and I’m very humbled.”
Credit: Matt Christian, Richland Soil and Water Conservation District director Credit: Matt Christian, Richland Soil and Water Conservation District director 
Credit: Matt Christian, Richland Soil and Water Conservation District director Credit: Matt Christian, Richland Soil and Water Conservation District director
The black gum, or black tupelo, is native to the northeastern United States, including Ohio. Sutter said native trees require less water and have strong roots, which help reduce soil erosion and stormwater runoff in local waterways.
The tree’s flowers and fruit will also provide nectar for pollinators.
‘Helping to increase the value of our community’
Donaldson, 82, grew up in Akron and worked for Sprint before he retired. He has lived in Mansfield with his wife Kathy since around 1975.
“My grandparents had a cabin on the Allegheny River, so that’s where I took an interest in water conservation,” he said.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to work with the Soil and Water District.”
Donaldson enjoys gardening, scuba diving, skiing, fishing and flying his drone.
He also volunteers with the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network that helps the National Weather Service improve its forecasts and meteorology studies. Other organizations he’s involved with include North Central Ohio SCORE, Kingwood Center Gardens and the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.
Donaldson said his favorite things about being a volunteer is interacting with people and improving the local environment.
“I really enjoy being a part of a team and helping to increase the value of our community,” he said.
Mayor Bob Jarvis congratulated Donaldson and thanked him for choosing to plant his tree in the village.
“We look forward to nurturing this tree and seeing it grow,” the mayor said. “I think it will make the park and these soccer fields even more beautiful.”
Donaldson will also be honored at RSWCD’s annual celebration at the Area Agency on Aging on Sept. 26. The public is invited to celebrate Donaldson and the RSWCD’s work.
